The Canal & River Trust has launched Smethwick Imaginarium, a new arts and community programme designed to celebrate Smethwick’s rich cultural diversity and historic canals.

Delivered in partnership with North Smethwick Development Trust, Brasshouse Community Centre, the Smethwick Interfaith Friends Group, Smethwick Library and six commissioned artists, the initiative invites local people of all ages to connect creatively with the Galton Valley Canal.

Supported by Arts Council England and funds raised by players of Postcode Lottery, the programme offers a series of free artist led walks, workshops, family activities and creative sessions taking place throughout the year.

Highlights include a summer pop up canalside art school and a community programme finale. Building on a successful 2023 pilot, the project aims to strengthen the relationship between the Smethwick community and the Galton Valley Canal.

Through photography, performance, sculpture, research, graphic design and socially engaged practice, the six selected artists will explore how people connect with the canal and with one another, while addressing barriers identified in the pilot such as access challenges and limited awareness of the waterway’s potential. The six commissioned artists are: Anneka French, Sarah Barton, Juneau Projects (Ben Sadler & Philip Duckworth), Beth Derbyshire, Jaskirt Dhaliwal-Boora, and Sharonjit Sutton, working across photography, performance, poetry, graphic design, sculpture, and curation.

Henriette Breukelaar, director for West Midlands at Canal & River Trust, said: “Our canals have always been places where people come together, and Smethwick Imaginarium builds on that legacy by inviting local people and boaters to explore, create and discover. We’re delighted to support a programme that showcases the area’s rich cultural heritage and highlights the wellbeing benefits of spending time by water.”

All events are free and open to people of all ages. Bookings can be made at canalrivertrust.org.uk