Wolverhampton residents are once again being asked to make a positive change in their street, community and city. Make:Shift – the ideas forum – is this year celebrating its fifth anniversary. The free event will take place on Saturday, October 15, at The Old School, 73 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 3BY, between 10am and 4pm. Last year more than 60 people from across the city shared their thoughts on how to ‘Change Wolverhampton with an idea’.

Participants received funding and business advice, and got involved in workshops designed to inspire people to create or enhance their own ideas.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “The ideas coming from last year’s Make:Shift event were inspirational.

“The people of Wolverhampton never let us down when it comes to creativity – and we are delighted we can help foster the wealth of ideas put forward.

“I am sure this year will be no different and we can celebrate Make:Shift’s fifth anniversary in style.”

Ideas from previous Make:Shift events that have taken off, include:

·         A new campaign called ‘Love My City’, aimed at countering some of the negative press Wolverhampton sometimes receives

·         Mental Spaces, providing support for both emerging and established artists through consultation space, free mentoring , arts library and database , photography studio , free exhibition space to display work and an online social media presence

·         Gatis Community, has seen a summer packed full of events for children and families and the encouragement of local residents to plant native wildflowers to create a wild flower corridor between the Gatis Street Building and Wildside Activity Centre

·         Camera Obscura, has developed a camera obscura within the grounds of Boundary Way Community Gardens and Allotments – a small, quiet contemplative space made with organic materials and deeply connected to nature

All creators are supported by the council’s economic inclusion team to implement their ideas.