Weekend of celebrations help to mark silver jubilee for Walsall art gallery

The celebrations started on Thursday evening with around 550 people enjoying a preview of new exhibition, ‘The Joy Project’ in the Community Gallery, exploring the building after normal opening hours and watching a special performance by The Blue Lights Choir, a group created to empower young women in Walsall.

The evening event also featured speeches from the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Council’s chief executive, Emma Bennett, Dr Darren Henley CBE, chief executive of Arts Council England and the director of The New Art Gallery Walsall, Stephen Snoddy.

The celebrations continued into the weekend with a Saturday launch of ‘The Joy Project’ with Walsall’s Youth Hopper Bus in Gallery Square offering lyrics workshops from The Blue Lights Choir, DJ session workshops and karaoke, while Sunday saw a special edition of the Gallery’s free weekly Sunday Art Club making birthday bunting.

The Gallery opened its doors on February 20, 2000 and was subsequently officially opened by HM Queen Elizabeth II on May 5, 2000. 

The Visitor’s Book she and the Duke of Edinburgh signed on their visit can be currently seen on the Gallery’s Mezzanine along with a copy of a new local history book honouring the late Queen. 

It is estimated that 4 million people have visited the Gallery since opening and the Gallery’s Permanent Collection now numbers approximately 4000 artworks, all belonging to the people of Walsall. 

Councillor Gary Flint, portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council, said “It was wonderful to be part of the fantastic celebrations at the Gallery over the last few days. A venue that has inspired, engaged, and enriched our community for a quarter of a century.

“It’s an amazing time for Walsall too. Like in 2000, the upcoming regeneration of the town centre will put the Gallery at its heart, opening up the area. 

"Creating a greener and more welcoming space in Gallery Square and making the Gallery a destination of choice for visitors. 

“The Gallery is not just a fabulous building, with impressive collections and exhibitions. 

"It has been instrumental in supporting contemporary artists, both local and international, and engaged local communities, remaining firmly committed to accessibility and inclusion in the sector and in our communities. 

"And what better way to mark the Gallery’s 25th anniversary, than with a project led by the young people, who represent the future of our town and region? 

"‘The Joy Project’ is exactly what its name promises, a celebration of the things that bring us happiness, from the beauty of nature to the power of music.”

Stephen Snoddy said “It’s been a fabulous week celebrating this milestone. 

"Throughout the year there are lots of opportunities to explore, create and celebrate with us. 

"We have a fantastic programme coming up, with solo exhibitions from Streetly-born artist Suzanne Holtom and Walsall-born Hannah Maybank. 

"We will also be hosting national charity Outside In’s National Open from June, providing a platform for artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world. We hope you can join us during this special year.”