Should Smethwick become UK's Town of Culture? Sandwell Council makes the case
Smethwick is the latest town to make its case in the competition to find the UK's first Town of Culture, citing its rich heritage and growing arts and culture scene.
Sandwell Council announced it would be entering Smethwick in the competition to find the UK Town of Culture 2028, which opened in January.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, leader of Sandwell Council, described the town as a being an economic powerhouse during the time of the Industrial Revolution.
"If it can be made, it’s been made in Smethwick," she said.
"Through our canals, with the iconic Galton Bridge, the longest and highest canal bridge in the world, railroads and factories, Smethwick was a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution for the Black Country, the UK and the world.
“The best thing about our borough is our people and sense of community, which is why we are putting together an ambitious bid for Town of Culture status for Smethwick, which would help us showcase our Black Country spirit and creativity to the world."
She said Smethwick had been home to Chance Glassworks, once the world’s leading glass manufacturer whose glass glistens proudly in lighthouses from the USA to India, and Soho Foundry, the first dedicated factory in the world constructed for the manufacture of steam engines.
Ruskin Pottery brought colour into the Arts and Crafts movement, she added, while London Works famously produced the ironwork for Crystal Palace.
Councillor Carmichael added: “We’re focused on making a difference for our residents. Town of Culture status would help Smethwick and our other towns by supporting our ambitious plans to regenerate our high streets, grow our creative talent and create new jobs and opportunities so everyone feels proud to call Sandwell our home.”
She said that today's Smethwick was a vibrant and cohesive community, but it had not always been that way. The civil rights activist Malcolm X’s visit to Marshall Street in 1965 was an historic moment after being invited by the Indian Workers’ Association.
The visit was photographed by the Express & Star and now forms a mural in the town.
Councillor Carmichael said Smethwick was now the proud home of Europe’s biggest South Asian Mela and Europe’s largest Gurdwara, while its high streets are lined with food from around the world, from local Black Country delicacies to independent cafes and the famous Asian pubs and sweet centres.
"Smethwick is a uniquely diverse town within Sandwell that prides itself on its hyper-local creative vibrancy and its community driven spirit," she said.
"With a high density of creatives from artists, musicians, designers working and living in areas like Bearwood, Smethwick is a catalyst for creative and cultural industries innovating for the next generation."
UK Town of Culture is a new competition run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, targeted at any town with a population of up to 75,000.
The winning town will be awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028 of around six months. Additionally, the two finalists from their category will receive £250,000 each to deliver elements of their bid.
