This year's Make:Shift event will see an exciting new crowdfunding platform launched for the City of Wolverhampton.

Full details will be officially unveiled at the event on Saturday 11 November between 10am and 4pm, at the Bob Jones Community Hub, Bromley Street, Blakenhall.

The new website will enable people to access funds from individuals, with funders also waiting to support projects, and businesses and organisations can offer in kind support such as staff time and equipment.

Make:Shift 2017 will also feature a talk from Eden Project community network developer, Diana Vogtel, who connects people across the East and West Midlands as part of the Eden Project Communities Network.

Wolves in Wolves artist and musician, Alex Vann, will also be performing live in a bid to kick-start a Make:Shift community choir.

At Make:Shift participants are encouraged to share their thoughts on how to change the City of Wolverhampton with an idea and there will be opportunities to get inspiration for developing ideas through practical workshops from local people that are already successfully delivering great things in the city.

City of Wolverhampton Council and other agencies lend some support if it is needed - but the ideas are the participants to own and drive forward.

Make:Shift is free - and it is open to anyone who lives in and cares about the City of Wolverhampton.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "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.

"At Make:Shift people are genuinely interested in hearing about and getting behind any idea, big or small, that will make Wolverhampton a better place to live.

"If you have an idea, I'd urge you to get involved and join a network of friendly and like minded people who can help you to turn your vision into a reality."

Saffi Price of Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council added: "Make:Shift is an exciting opportunity for anyone in the city who has an idea and wants to take small actions toward creating their imagined Wolverhampton.

"There are opportunities for people to participate in any or all of the activities, share inspiration, share skills, connect and create; it is all encompassed within Make:Shift."

Ideas from previous Make:Shift events that have taken off, include:

  • Mental Spaces, providing support for both emerging and established artists through consultation space, free mentoring, arts library and database, photography studio, free exhibition space to display work and an online social media presence
     
  • Gatis Community, has seen a summer packed full of events for children and families and the encouragement of local residents to plant native wildflowers to create a wild flower corridor between the Gatis Street Building and Wildside Activity Centre
     
  • Camera Obscura, has developed a camera obscura within the grounds of Boundary Way Community Gardens and Allotments - a small, quiet contemplative space made with organic materials and deeply connected to nature

For more information about Make:Shift please contact Sam Axtell (Tuesdays to Thursdays) on 01902 554918 or email sam.axtell2@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Tickets are free and include a free lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Book now at Type=links;Linkid=9837;Title=Make:Shift 2017;Target=_blank;.

  • released: Thursday 2 November, 2017