'This grant is a huge boost for Stourbridge': £14,000 awarded to bring art, colour and creativity to town
Stourbridge BID has been awarded a £14,000 grant to help brighten and beautify the town.
The funding, from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) via the West Midlands Combined Authority, will deliver a programme of projects including a permanent art trail, shopfront improvements and seasonal floral displays.
At the heart of the project will be the Stourbridge Art Trail, which will feature wall murals, sculptures and creative installations by well-known and emerging local artists including Cal and Stacy Hammond.
A large-scale art trail map mural, proposed for the Crown Centre, will serve as a piece of public art and as a wayfinding guide, highlighting existing and future artworks across the town, BID bosses have announced.
The grant will also support shopfront improvements.
Stourbridge BID (Business Improvement District) is working with King Edwards VI College to give students the chance to design and create artwork for empty units and to brighten up tired shopfronts to help improve the look of the town and provide valuable training and experience for young people.
Finally, the funding will allow the BID to continue its partnership work with Stourbridge in Bloom, extending floral planting into the autumn and winter months to ensure there's a splash of colour in the town throughout the year.
Aaron Powell, Stourbridge BID's chairperson, said: “This grant is a huge boost for Stourbridge. It allows us to invest in creativity, community and pride in our town, while building a cultural legacy that will grow year on year. From permanent artworks and student-led shopfront improvements to beautiful seasonal planting, these projects will help make Stourbridge a more attractive and inspiring place for everyone.”
The first stages of the project are set to begin later this year, with details of the unveiling and community involvement to be announced soon.
