The ideas were flowing at Make:Shift 2015 on Saturday 31 October as more than 60 people from across the city shared their thoughts on how to 'Change Wolverhampton with an Idea'.

Type=image;ImageID=8312;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Councillor John Reynolds listens to ideas at Make:Shift 2015;TitleClass=strong;

Type=image;ImageID=8313;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle='Love My City' creator Navi Aulkh;TitleClass=strong;

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

Ideas put forward at the City of Wolverhampton Council event included:

  • a new campaign called 'Love My City', aimed at countering some of the negative press Wolverhampton has recently received
  • an idea to support people and their families effected by dementia
  • an initiative to support homeless people to develop a self sustaining social enterprise
  • starting Wednesfield in Bloom
  • developing an artist's quarter in the Chapel Ash area of the city

The creators will now be supported by the Council's Economic Inclusion Team to implement their ideas.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "The ideas coming from this 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.

"Plans are already underway for Make:Shift 2016."

Ideas at last year's event have taken off, and include:

  • Mental Spaces, supporting new and emerging artists in the city with free exhibition and studio space
  • Creative Wolverhampton, uniting, supporting and promoting creative industries in the city
  • Earth Fire, delivering holistic therapies to the people most in need of this service
  • Musical Twigs, a multi media creative arts project aimed at local families

For more information about Make:Shift please contact Sam Axtell (Tuesdays to Thursdays) on 01902 554918.

  • released: Tuesday 3 November, 2015