New free canal art trail to launch in Smethwick

A new free canal art trail featuring artworks created with local residents is set to launch in Smethwick this weekend.

The Canal & River Trust is inviting people to explore the year-long Smethwick Imaginarium arts programme, which celebrates the town’s canals, heritage and communities.

The project launches on Saturday, September 19, with a day of artwork, guided walks, family activities and creative workshops linking Smethwick Library, Brasshouse Community Centre and the Galton Valley Canal.

Over the past year, six artists have worked with residents, community groups and local organisations to explore what the canal means to people who live and work around it.

Their newly commissioned artworks will go on public display for the first time as part of a trail following the canal between Galton Bridge and the Toll House. Additional exhibitions and activities will take place at Smethwick Library and Brasshouse Community Centre.

Visitors can join hourly guided walks or follow a self-guided map along two waymarked routes, with artworks, workshops, food and activities taking place throughout the day.

The event is free and open to everyone, with the artworks remaining in place for around a month afterwards.

Among the commissions is Above and Below Ways by Juneau Projects, a series of floating sculptures created with local people to highlight the canal’s hidden wildlife.

What Lies Beneath Us by Beth Derbyshire features more than 200 oversized flags carrying handwritten poetry, celebrating Smethwick’s diversity, stories and history.

Other works include Smethwick Champions by Jaskirt Dhaliwal-Boora, highlighting community leaders, and Legends of the Canal by Sharonjit Kaur Sutton, which invites families to create their own canal-dwelling creatures.

At Brasshouse Community Centre, A Year of Activity will showcase creative learning and community participation from throughout the programme, while Something to Talk About will invite visitors to share conversations over tea and receive a portrait.

The launch will also feature artist-led tours, heritage walks exploring landmarks including Galton Bridge and the pumping station, family activities, drop-in workshops, boat-based activities and Canal & River Trust education sessions.

Ian Lane, interim director of the West Midlands at Canal & River Trust, said the project had shown how canals could inspire "creativity, conversation and community pride".

He added: "We've been able to work with residents, artists and local partners to create something that truly reflects Smethwick.

"We hope the canal art trail encourages people to explore their local canal and celebrate the stories, cultures and communities that make this area so special."

The Smethwick Imaginarium is funded by Arts Council England and through funds raised by players of Postcode Lottery, and is being delivered in partnership with North Smethwick Development Trust, Smethwick Interfaith Friends Group, Smethwick Library and Ikon Slow Boat.

More information and details of activities are available from the Canal & River Trust website.