Creative Associates  

We work with Creative Associates in each borough to catalyse new place-based activity. Our associates could range from artists in residence, housing associations, academics, architects, and producers, to health professionals. We want to be bold and broad and invite innovation through new collaborations with people who share the same values and vision. The aim is to partner with two associates per year in alternating boroughs enabling CBC to devolve creative responsibility and ownership to a greater extent.  

What we would like to achieve together through this partnership  

  • To co-create innovative opportunities for community-led activity that reflects the aspirations of local people 

  • An exchange of skills, experience and knowledge between our organisations and participants we engage.  

  • Creating conditions for creativity to thrive, and representing people with authenticity, integrity, and equality.  

Kerry Ocoy (2021) Cultural Democracy - DUDLEY

Dudley Creates started as an experiment with creative producers Kerry Ocoy and Laura Dicken to bring together a cohort of creatives in 2020. Since the initial set of online / in-person hybrid events, workshops and commissions Dudley Creates has blossomed into a larger project with the support of Dudley CVS, CoLab Dudley and additional funding through Arts Council England’s Project Grants.

Dudley Creates is now in its fourth year and has helped to develop a people-led cultural strategy for the Borough, commission over 30 creatives to co-design and deliver new work with communities, encourage creative confidence and artistic development, and support ongoing creative programming.

 KIONDO (2021) Research & Development - WALSALL

Walsall-born Architect and Founder of KIONDO Andre Reid experiments with new approaches to social impact and creative problem-solving. Through active dialogue with local creatives, mentors, and peers, Kiondo tests and explores models of practices to support creative entrepreneurial growth for small creative organisations in Walsall.  

Curl Girl Productions (2023) Theatre - SANDWELL

Sandwell-born Writer and Director Kiran Jogi creates new writing for theatre with local South Asian Women. A series of workshops with the participants who shared their personal stories led to the development of a short script called ‘Valley of the Queens’. Since the rehearsed reading in February, the project has received further funding to develop the performance.   

Walsall Housing Group (2024) Artist in Residence - WALSALL

Walsall Housing Group (whg) hosts an artist in residence for the first time with artist duo Ben Sadler and Philip Duckworth of Juneau Projects. This residency focuses on bringing creative experiences to residents living in whg homes, with a particular emphasis on older residents in independent living schemes. Read more about the Residency here.

Parakeet (2024) Early Years & Creative Education - SANDWELL

Founder Amy Campbell will extend the development of early years art and play interventions by introducing Parakeet Playgroup in Smethwick focusing on nature.