Telling Tales: Alight
Published November 8, 2007 in news
Telling Tales: Alight: Residents light up North Smethwick
On Thursday 8 November 2007, residents of North Smethwick will join journalist and broadcaster, Adrian Goldberg, and community arts organisation, Multistory, at The Hawthorns Metro Station for the ‘switch on’ of an animation that will light up the roof of the station and put North Smethwick on the map.
Several groups of residents in North Smethwick have been working with Multistory to consider what makes their community unique, taking part in workshops to create images that symbolise what the area means to them in terms of family, friends, interests, locations, landmarks and their hopes for the area in the future. The project, titled ‘Telling Tales: Alight’, is focused on celebrating the diverse nature of North Smethwick, its people and its heritage.
The project has resulted in the production of an amazing animation which will appear as a light drawing on the roof of the station. The animation, produced by local artist Jaspal Sehint, takes viewers on a journey, focusing on the history and heritage of the area.
Adrian Goldberg will switch on the animation at a special event with residents and guests at the station on Thursday 8 November. Immediately before that, guests will also have the opportunity to see some of the residents’ ideas and storyboards for the animation, showcased for one night only at the Brasshouse Community Centre.
Talking about the project, Rich Franks, Media Artist at Multistory, said: “We have been working with residents since August, exploring the area and using disposable cameras to document objects, locations and local symbols for inclusion in the final animation. The animation really reflects the hard work and vision of the residents who have taken part”.
Adrian Goldberg added: “I am delighted to have been invited to switch on this fantastic animation. The residents have worked really hard to put together a unique vision of their area and by putting the animation on the roof of the metro station, people travelling through the area will have their journey brightened up”.
Councillor Keith Davies, Smethwick Town Committee chair, said: “It’s great to see Smethwick Town Team and Multistory working with local community groups and organisations to bring together residents of north Smethwick for this innovative and exciting project.”
The animation will remain at The Hawthorns Metro Station until Friday 4 January, 2008. For further information on the project visit www.multistory.org.uk
The project has been supported by Central Trains and MCL Limited, one of the UK’s leading suppliers for Audio Visual, Lighting and Staging.
Adrian Goldberg is a journalist and broadcaster based in the Midlands. Adrian manages a leading independent news website www.thestirrer.co.uk.
Telling Tales: Alight has been developed and delivered by Multistory, a community arts organisation that engages communities, organisations and artists in Sandwell, the Black Country, the region and nationally through creative approaches to learning, health and regeneration. The project is funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and was commissioned by Sandwell Council’s Town Teams division.
