Alternative Black Country

The line-up brings together acclaimed writers, musicians, performers, and artists with strong connections to the Black Country. Their work is published, recorded, and exhibited across the UK and internationally, making this a rare opportunity to experience such a breadth of talent on home ground.

Running from afternoon into evening, the programme moves through readings, discussion, live sets and screenings before winding down with DJs and networking later on.

Each artist draws on the Black Country as a place where history and memory sit just below the surface. This is familiar territory from a different angle.

The line-up includes:

• Kerry Hadley-Pryce and RM Francis - two leading Black Country voices in conversation, with readings and reflections on the landscapes, memories and tensions that shape their work.
• Walkspace’s collective of photographers and urban wanderers explore the Black Country through drifting, deep-mapping and offbeat walking practices in this live conversation.
• Ian Francis, founder of Flatpack and champion of offbeat film culture discusses Archie Hill Comes Home, tracing the broadcaster and writer’s return to the Black Country and his unsentimental elegy for a vanishing industrial world.
• The Balloonist (Ben Holton of epic45), whose recent ambient/electronic EP Wulfrun pays nostalgic tribute to Wolverhampton’s landmark precinct, presents a live set of atmospheric electronics, guitar and visuals.
• Wren’s Nest, performed by Hidden Britain, is an experimental ghost story with an immersive live soundtrack and cinematic storytelling filmed across Dudley’s geological sites. Expect widescreen visuals over abstract electronics and distorted loops.
• Dion & The Unicorn is a documentary by Dan Watts which follows Dudley-raised artist Dion Kitson in a wry portrait of his work and world as he prepares for his first solo exhibition, Rue Britannia, at IKON Gallery, alongside Silver Lining for English Heritage. Through humour, satire, and found objects, Kitson transforms overlooked corners of British life into witty works of art.
• Black Country Type is a photographic project by artist Tom Hicks. His images present a distinctive view of the region’s everyday architecture, signage and streetlife, shifting the familiar into something more unexpected. Tom will present his debut film, Nothing Happens Everywhere, a reflective exploration of the unique Black Country landscape featuring poetry by Liz Berry.
• MENOWTHERETHEN closes the evening with an enveloping live set of emotive electronica and haunting vocals with visuals that map the highs and lows of growing up in the Black Country.
• Fliss Kitson, celebrated drummer with The Nightingales and PRAM and an honorary Black Country girl, brings a DJ set powered by the sharp taste and restless creativity that defines her music and art.
• Mark Cartwright, local filmmaker, podcaster and presenter will be stepping in as host, introducing performers with his trademark mix of humour, curiosity and easy rapport.