An art project that explores the hidden treasures of historical archive records visits Dudley town centre next week with its latest installation.

Strong Rooms brings together young people, artists and archivists to create work that explores archives through the eyes of the artist.

The latest work includes two shipping containers which have been decorated inside and out by youth groups led by street artist Mohammed Ali, and local artists Shaheen Ahmed and Anand Chhabra.

The installation will be in Dudley’s Market Place for one week from Monday 1 August and there will also be activities for adults, families and young people. Cllr Rachel Harris, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said:

“The archives is a great resource for researching local and family history but is actually used by a relatively small number of people. The Strong Rooms project brings the archives to a new, young audience, who have uncovered many stories that would otherwise be forgotten and through their art work have brought new meaning to the past."

The Strong Rooms installation will be on tour in the West Midlands during the summer and will be in Dudley’s Market Place fromMonday 1 August to Sunday 7 August 2016. For more information contact the Archives and Local History Centre on 01384 812770 or visit the Strong Rooms website at: strongrooms.org.uk