Working Parts is an informal steering group of arts organisations in the four Black Country boroughs – Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.

The aim of the partnership is to involve more disabled people in the arts and improve their experiences as artists, audiences and participants.

Current steering group members are Black Country Touring, Walsall Council Creative Development Team, the Arena Theatre Wolverhampton and Multistory based in Sandwell.

In the last year, a grant from Arts Council England – West Midlands has enabled the steering group to invite local disability organisations to explore how using the arts can not only be an additional attraction for them, but also an integral part of their daily business, often enabling them to fulfil their aims in very real, tangible ways.

As well as financing taster workshops and artist training, funding supported a freelance post of development worker for Working Parts, and organisations on the steering group allocated staff time to assist in the development and co-ordination of activities.

Here’s the round-up of current ‘Working Parts’ activity around the Black Country. From seeing new shows to joining in writing workshops, dozens of people with disabilities across the region have been involved in creative activities. Some people have been inspired to pursue their art further, maybe even to look at the possibility of starting a business; others have begun to look at life in a more creative way, while the rest have simply had fun!

One of the aims of Working Parts is to inspire existing organisations to use the arts and creativity to engage with more people and expand their horizons.

As we attract more funding and goodwill we will be working with more organisations who already provide an excellent service, to bring them into the creative network.

These are just some of those organisations, who you may want to contact for more information about the work they already do.