Dudley Council are celebrating after being awarded a £96,000 grant from Arts Council England which will enable the design of art projects across the Metro track and at stops in Dudley borough. The money will be used to set-up the “Art Track Metro Art Programme” and will support commissioning competitions for artists to design physical works, artistic residencies, community engagement programme and an opportunity for the public to see design proposals in an exhibition next spring.
Cllr Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be successful in our Arts Council England application. This money will help to make the fantastic Metro development even more attractive and will be a welcome opportunity for local artists to get creative.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, added “The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will be a game-changer for the Black Country as it will help to boost public transport whilst providing much-needed links to the existing rail and bus networks. Construction for this highly-anticipated route continues to move ahead at pace and it is great that, once open for passenger service, the area will be enhanced further with a selection of artwork.”
The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill West Midlands Metro extension is due to open in 2023.
Any artists who want to find out more are asked to email design@dudley.gov.uk