Background

Art Map Wolverhampton was produced by Project Dandelion based upon a commission by Centro to explore and investigate young people’s attitudes and opinions towards public transport, and engage them in their local built environment. The project was split into two phases, each representing a distinct element. Phase A, the research and content management, was linked to the curriculum of A’ level and BTEC Business Studies students. Phase B, the art and design contribution was linked to the curriculum of Art and Design students.

This unique project was managed by consultant Kathy James and design agency Substrakt.

Phase A was led and directed by students studying Business Studies who were tasked to explore and research young people’s opinions, behaviour, needs and experience of public transport and Phase B focused on public art and places of interest across the city. For each Phase students designed and directed their own projects with support from a project lead and the Dandelion Team.

The participating students and staff attended Colton Hills Community School, Heath Park Business and Enterprise College, King’s CE School and St Edmunds Catholic School. Their contributions, research-led activities and reports have been recognised as outstanding and we gratefully acknowledge their work as well as the new skills they developed throughout the process.

During the activity a large amount of primary research was undertaken which resulted in data collection, with consultation across 6 secondary schools in Wolverhampton and peer to peer in public places. In total over 1000 young people were consulted.

As a result of the research Art Map Wolverhampton was developed and the young people also presented their findings to the Centro Management Team and members of the Transport Regeneration Partnership.  Their recommendations will be built into Centro’s future plans.

Art Map was developed following the research and data collection phase by Art & Design students working with Substrakt designers.