Creative Opportunities - what it's like doing a placement with Creative Black Country

Ellicia gets creative at the Autumn Social

During Autumn 2024 we had the pleasure of hosting University of Birmingham graduate Elliscia on a short work placement with the team at Creative Black Country. Elliscia got fully involved in lots of our work, which she soon found can be quite varied. We asked her to write up a little about her experience and share what she got up to.

Discovering the opportunity

Working with Amrit, Kom and Yvonne at Walsall Maker Fest in September

When I first stumbled upon the Creative Black Country internship opportunity, my eye was caught as a local to the area. I had no idea how transformative the opportunity would be as it led me into the vibrant world of local arts and culture. I did some digging and found all the creative projects online that have happened locally to me. I am a firm believer in equal opportunities and love the idea of helping to showcase talent close to home. CBC’s positive impact on the community inspired me to apply.

Immersing in Creative Black Country’s projects

The Roundabout project in Wolverhampton

I began by meeting the team and exploring physical publications of past projects. I gained knowledge of the structure of CBC and the important roles of the team of Creative Advisers across the Black Country, alongside the different locations they work in. I wandered through Wolverhampton’s streets seeing the vibrant graffiti of the Roundabout Project for the first time, where bold murals and intricate metalwork brought the industrial heritage of Chapel Ash to life. I would definitely recommend it.

Learning Deaf Awareness

One training session I attended was when CBC got together with other organisations from the Black Country to complete a deaf awareness training session delivered by Deafscope. The group leaders were surprised to see everyone did their homework and introduced their names using sign language. Spelling my name in sign language during the session was unexpectedly tricky and took me a while but it was rewarding. It made me realise how much effort goes into communication for those in the deaf community.

We spent the afternoon learning statistics about deaf people, practising basic phrases, and taking quizzes (with coffee and cake breaks in between). Hearing funny and personal anecdotes during the session broadened my awareness, showing how a lack of understanding profoundly affects the everyday lives of the deaf community. The activities were reallyenjoyable; we tried lip-reading and Chinese whispers using BSL, which was a challenge. It was a greatly valuable and fun session. 

Hands-On at Walsall Maker Fest

Helping people in Walsall see what it’s like being a content creator

The Walsall Maker Fest in September took over empty shops and market stalls in the streets of the town centre. I helped out by supporting creatives run activities for the public, one of which was to experience life as a content producer. Visitors stepped into the shoes of creators, reading scripts in front of a green screen under a professional ring light, channelling their inner influencers. Members of the public gave their opinions on Walsall and answered questions about the festival. I enjoyed chatting with the visitors to get feedback about the event, which many families verbally praised and were keen to participate in. It was rewarding watching people who were initially nervous, with a little push, gain confidence from the activity.

Funding and visions

I have also supported Yvonne (Creative Black Country's Fundraising Manager) with informative funding sessions for community groups that shared thought-provoking quotes like ‘money follows vision and never the other way around.’ This expanded my knowledge of the Arts Council grants and how community groups or individuals often balance jobs while pursuing creativity.

Autumn Social

Making a clay mobile with artist Luke Perry

I found the Autumn Social a valuable and fun event to participate in. I attempted to make a clay hanging heart during one of the creative sessions that the team host at each social, for most of the time I ended up hogging the painting table. There was also a pretty glass art workshop delivered with the final pieces taken away, fired and sent back to those who participated through the post - they make perfect Christmas decorations. 

The social proved to be a great opportunity to meet local creatives working with communities in the area and find outwhat projects are being planned around the Black Country.

Supporting Local Artists

Helping to set up the artist interventions and pop-ups in Walsall

Recently in Walsall’s empty shops in the Saddler Centre, three artists have begun a soft launch for their exhibitions inspired by Walsall’s history. I supported the initial setup of these installations and we were visited by many art college students. This vivid public art is temporary so on your next shopping trip have a look at their creations.

This internship was very insightful and showed me the impact of creativity in shaping communities. I was supportedthroughout and appreciated the experience of travelling around the Black Country. I’m inspired to continue exploring ways to champion local talent and culture, and I encourage anyone with a creative spark to do the same.