Caldmore Community Garden Event: First Steps into the Community

In July 2024 I took the first steps on an inspiring journey to uncover the untold stories of the Caldmore Community — a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood in Walsall which is also a hub of creativity and connection.

Incredibly, students at the local primary school speak an astonishing 88 different languages — a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that defines this community.

The Summer Garden Party

During the Summer Garden Party event I had the privilege of meeting local residents, many of whom have lived through remarkable experiences of migration, resilience, and transformation. These stories provide the background for the project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

We will create three large-scale, cinematic photographs that will bring to life the personal and collective histories of these people. We aim to visually capture the essence of migration, preserving the heritage of these histories for future generations.

The warmth, generosity, and depth of the stories shared with me were nothing short of extraordinary. It is clear that Caldmore is a place of hidden histories waiting to be told, and we are honoured to play a role in bringing these narratives into the spotlight.

We look forward to continuing this journey, collaborating with the community, and revealing these powerful visual stories in the coming months. This project wouldn’t be possible without the support of National Lottery players and the incredible people of Caldmore.