Introducing Smethwick Folk

Black Country Touring is excited to announce Smethwick Folk, our new artistic programme for Smethwick as part of Three 15, delivered in partnership with Creative Black Country and Multistory. BCT is the lead partner for Smethwick.

Smethwick Folk takes inspiration from the folklore traditions of costume, street performance, storytelling and parades, exploring what modern-day myths look like in a town shaped by its extraordinary mix of cultures, industries and communities. Working with artists, community groups, schools and businesses across Bearwood, Cape Hill and Smethwick High Street, the programme builds toward two headline events: the Smethwick Lantern Parade in Autumn 2027, and the Smethwick Day Parade in Summer 2028. 

Smethwick is a remarkable place. It's a town built by generations of migration, industry and reinvention, with a richness of culture that few places in the country can match. It has strong, deeply rooted community networks: from established venues and heritage organisations to grassroots groups, faith communities and independent businesses that have shaped the town's unique character for decades. There is an abundance of stories, relationships and creativity in Smethwick, which this project will platform, explore and celebrate.

Keep an eye out for more opportunities that we will be announcing as the programme develops. Over the next two years, we'll be inviting more artists, freelancers and organisations based in Smethwick and across the wider region to get involved, in ways that reflect the scale and ambition of the project as it grows.

Open call: Artist in Residence, Smethwick High Street

We are now inviting applications for an Artist in Residence commission on Smethwick High Street, home to established partners of BCT including Smethwick Heritage Centre, Smethwick Library and Brushstrokes Community Project. The residency runs for up to six months from September 2026, with a fee of £3,900 and a materials budget of up to £2,000. We welcome applications from artists working in any discipline, at any career stage, and particularly encourage artists who reflect the diversity of Smethwick's communities.

Download the full brief [here] for everything you need to know, including what the commission involves and how to apply.

Deadline: Monday 24th August 2026

To apply, or for any questions, contact Laura Leech at hello@bctouring.co.uk

Subject line: ARTIST PROPOSAL – SMETHWICK FOLK,

or SMETHWICK FOLK QUERY for access information and general questions.