The Public - West Bromwich

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.