Contact
The builders moved in to West Bromwich in Sandwell.
The site hoardings went up, with pictures of local people.
Jubilee started to develop the ideas for the content of the building.
'Stretch' - an immersive dance installation from artist Sophia Clist.
International digital artists were commissioned.
Interactive artists Blast Theory, testing their project Fly Pad.
Arts projects started up all over West Bromwich.
The Library of Unwritten Books helping people write their own book.
Photographers photographed people's lives.
The 'shrines' in people's homes - Mantlepieces by Rob Irving
Films were made. Town Hall, a single shot film made with 300 local
people - by film makers Desperate Optimists.
Artists created sparks. Welding at the X Ray Factory, Smethwick, a
temporary gallery established during the building of The Public.
Jubilee artists ran residencies in other countries - like Poland.
Jubliee Arts training Polish art students in community arts practice.
and the building took shape...
<
>
>
To The Public
Jubilee Arts had to grow as an organisation. Many artists were employed to develop the ideas for The Public. Community artists, digital artists, designers and planners.
The Arts Council funded a huge amount of new artistic activity in the borough, before the building was even open!
Site workers had pink hard hats.
Many local people visited the site as the building developed.
Many local people visited the site as the building developed.
The disused bus station in central West Bromwich which was to be the
site of The Public and the start of the regeneration.
Members of staff visit the site before construction began.
The first steel being erected.
Triangular windows being installed.
The building was a mecca for photographers, fascinated by its endless variety.
The office pods, floated above level 3.
The stainless steel cladding on the lower offices and service rooms.
The building was an amazing contribution to the regeneration of
West Bromwich.
<
>
Back
Interior designer Ben Kelly developed the idea of an inside park - with
electric trees, paths and benches.
Interior designer Ben Kelly developed the idea of an inside park - with
electric trees, paths and benches.
Interior designer Ben Kelly developed the wood framed touch
screens throughout the gallery.
Interior designer Ben Kelly developed the idea of a flow of materials
pouring down the ramp.
Interior designer Ben Kelly developed the electro-luminescent tree designs.
Interior designer Ben Kelly developed the electro-luminescent tree designs.
Interior designer Ben Kelly set the design style for the ramp adventure.
Kevan Shaw created the iconic pink neon ceiling in the lobby.
Lighting designer Kevan Shaw created a stunning night time look.
The night time illumination was magical.
Architect Julian Flannery created the distinctive look of the level 2
conference space.
Architect Julian Flannery created the stricking black and white bar area.
Even the fire escape stair wells were full of life and colour.
The building gave amazing views of West Bromwich.
The 4th floor offices hung from the roof, like floating clouds.
People loved the building.
<
>
Back
Some of the best designers in the country were brought in to work on The Public. These included Ben Kelly, famous for his iconic designs for The Haçienda club in Manchester. The lighting was designed by multi award winning designer Kevan Shaw.
In loving memory of The Public