Explore the interplay of creativity in Dudley and weave connections to invite others to resist, rethink, reconnect and revitalise this place

Over the last few months CoLab Dudley has been supporting many and varied community-led collaborations, experiments and learning enquiries. We invite you to join us to explore our new exhibition and the fertile edges between different kinds of work which seeks to develop the confidence and capabilities of local people to shape cultures of care, cultures of learning and cultures of creativity.

Throughout the evening there will be a little poetry, short film screeenings and lightning talks. There will be ample time for exchanges between people who have led and participated in creative actions and those bringing fresh perspectives, increasing the potential for new possibilities to emerge. (Agenda to follow.)

All welcome. Children must bring a grown up.
Free. Hot and cold drinks and light snacks provided.

If you prefer a quieter experience, there will be a Quiet Time Early Opening of the Fertile Edges exhibition between 4.30pm and 5.30pm. This sensory-friendly, relaxed time for families and individuals who would benefit from a quieter environment offers an opportunity to explore the exhibition without the overwhelm of a large gathering. There is a quiet room for those needing to take a break, and we have children's ear defenders and sensory objects available. This a new experiment for us and we'd welcome feedback.

Bringing the River Stour to Life. Discover and add to the ideas being generated and practical actions being taken by local people with many and varied knowledges and interests who have come together to care for the River Stour.

Explore a multi media exhibition created by over 60 local people bringing together memories, observations and hopes for the future of Dudley through Urban Rooms.

Meet the Mythical Beasts conjured up by people working in our local council and NHS who have been exploring many ways to learn and evaluate in their work with local people.

Create a Pocket of Hope filled with your hopes for a more sustainable world. to contribute to an exhibition in winter 2025. Pockets will be curated as an installation at the end of 2025 with pocket makers gathering to explore and celebrate our many ways of capturing hope for future generations.

Plant seeds of intention and grow pollinating flowers to support biodiversity in your spaces and edges.

Visit our library of Share Books developed in collaboration with CIVIC SQUARE’s Beyond Books. Our featured author for this gathering is Robin Wall Kimmerer, whose work and writings illuminate the fertile edges between indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants. Copies of her essay collection, Braiding Sweetgrass will be available to take away as Share Books.