Dudley’s Metro developments are taking an artistic turn thanks to a £96k grant from Arts Council England.

The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension is currently under construction by the Midland Metro Alliance, which is working on behalf of Transport for West Midlands and will connect Wednesbury to Brierley Hill via Dudley town centre.

Dudley Council applied for the art fund cash to set up the ‘Art Track: Metro Art Programme’, which will see the design of art projects across the Metro track and at stops in Dudley borough.

The funding will support commissioning competitions for artists to design physical works, artistic residencies, community engagement programme and an opportunity for the public to see design proposals in an exhibition in spring 2022. Students from Dudley College and University of Wolverhampton will also have opportunities to be involved. Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said:

"We are delighted to be successful in our Arts Council England application. This money will help to make the fantastic Metro development even more attractive and will be a welcome opportunity for local artists to get creative."

Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA Andy Street, said: "The Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension will be a game-changer for the Black Country.

"It will help to boost public transport whilst providing much-needed links to the existing rail and bus networks. Construction for this highly-anticipated route continues to move ahead at pace and it is great that, once open for passenger service, the area will be enhanced further with a selection of artwork.

People can find out more about the extension at metroalliance.co.uk and artists who would like to know more can email design@dudley.gov.uk.