Gospel Oak students transform Dudley Port station with inspiring art installation
Students from Gospel Oak School – based in Tipton and part of the Central Region Schools Trust – have played a leading role in a powerful community art project.
The project aimed to transform Dudley Port train station into a more welcoming and emotionally uplifting space.
In collaboration with local Tipton schools and community groups, Sandwell Council, West Midlands Railway, the Samaritans and a local artist, the project used public art to promote mental health awareness and community pride.
The initiative invited young people to create artwork that radiates positivity and celebrates the creativity of the Tipton community.
A group of Year 7, 8 and 9 students from Gospel Oak School were selected to bring the vision to life through a series of workshops with Steve Edwards, a well-known local graffiti and street artist.
With guidance from Steve, students explored themes of hope, resilience and support – using art as a vehicle for expression and change. Their final collection was a thoughtful blend of vibrant individual pieces, which were refined into a unified series and reviewed by project partners. Seven standout artworks were professionally enlarged and installed along the main walkway leading into Dudley Port station.
The project culminated in a special community celebration held at Tipton Muslim Community Centre. The event featured artwork from across the region, speeches from dignitaries and a heartfelt message from the Samaritans on the importance of mental health in public spaces. Gospel Oak students were recognised for their creative contributions and received a commemorative trophy to mark their achievement.
Nathan, one of the students who took part in the initiative, reflected on the experience, saying: “Seeing everyone else’s art gave me joy and passion to carry this on!”
“My experience along this journey was great! The day we started with the artist was amazing – it gave us a way to help people with problems through art. When my work was displayed at the train station, I felt privileged and grateful. I would love to continue this journey and help others.”
Stephen Brownlow, Executive Principal at Gospel Oak School, praised the students’ involvement, saying: “This project has been an incredible opportunity for our students to contribute to something meaningful beyond the classroom. They’ve shown creativity and a real sense of community spirit.
“At Gospel Oak School, we encourage every student to aspire to make a positive impact – and this initiative has given them the chance to do just that. Their artwork is not only visually powerful, but emotionally resonant, and we are extremely proud of them.”
Alka Mistry, Central Community Strategy Lead at Central Region Schools Trust, added: “This was a shining example of what can be achieved when schools, local organisations and the wider community work together. The students’ artwork speaks volumes about the compassion and talent within our schools.
“It’s more than just art; it’s a message of hope and support that will reach everyone who passes through Dudley Port Station.”
Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “Working in partnership with Sandwell Council and the Samaritans, we were pleased to use our “Your Community, Your Fund” scheme to invest around £40,000 into improving Dudley Port and Tipton stations.
"The artworks that have been created by the community and nearby schools really brighten up the area, and we hope they generate a sense of pride amongst local residents.”
