Description
Sandwell Arts Trust is a registered charity set up to run The Public -
an exciting creative, community, cultural and business space in the
heart of West Bromwich.
It is a world class building set in the heart of Sandwell – today one
of the most deprived areas in the UK but with a long history of
creativity, innovation and community pride which changed the world.
Everything we do at The Public is about responding to these factors
to be a force for the better in the community. At the core of our
business we are committed to using the arts to raise aspirations – to
bring the world to West Bromwich and take West Bromwich to the world; to
open doors and provide opportunities that would not exist without The
Public.
To do this, The Public also has a role in making the arts more
accessible to a community which traditionally has low participation in
the creative industries. We are a place where people who don’t normally
feel comfortable in arts venues can enjoy themselves, feel welcomed and
are confident to experience new things.
In essence, The Public is a creative place, inspiring art and changing lives.
Creative Place
Designed by renowned architect Will Alsop and Julian Flannery, even
our building is a work of art. Our free gallery featuring interactive
digital artworks is popular with all ages, including those who choose
The Public as a venue in which to do business, hold community
activities, host performances and events or just relax. Our unique
building and its versatile spaces is a perfect environment to open
imaginations and stimulate creative-thinking.
“The space, the fluidity of the building and architecture,
colours, noise and interaction of the exhibits are wonderful, as are the
helpful and knowledgeable staff members.” Customer, April 2010
Inspiring Art
We programme works and exhibitions which have both local appeal and
which interest a national audience such as Mnemosyne by John Akomfrah
and Martin Parr’s Black Country Stories, but always with excellence at
their core. Our partnerships with other galleries and arts organisations
help us to achieve inspiring art but also demonstrate our community
focus, both in terms of the region and the arts more widely. Alongside
professional artists we support young and emerging artists, providing a
place where not only can they showcase their work but which they can use
as a testing ground to gain feedback and develop their practice. | 
