The collaboration launches on Saturday, January 24, with the first in a series of monthly coffee mornings designed for care leavers and care-experienced individuals.
The sessions will offer opportunities to explore exhibitions, take part in creative activities and connect with others in a relaxed, welcoming environment at one of Wolverhampton’s most treasured cultural venues.
“We are thrilled to partner with Wolverhampton Art Gallery,” said Susan Vickers, founder of The Susan Vickers Foundation. “It’s a beautiful space which showcases the vastness of what art actually means, with the chance to inspire the next generation of superstars. Some of our participants may never have set foot in an art gallery before, and we want to change that.”
Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said the initiative reflects the city’s values. “This partnership is a powerful statement about the kind of city Wolverhampton strives to be — one where every young person feels welcomed, valued and able to explore their creativity. Access to arts and culture should never be a privilege for the few.”
The first coffee morning will see families working with artist Abraham Badajide Cole as part of the Creative Connections programme for parents. The project is funded through an AIM Connected Communities Grant, supported by the UK Government via Arts Council England, and aims to strengthen relationships through shared creative experiences.
For many participants, the sessions will represent their first ever visit to an art gallery, highlighting the cultural barriers often faced by people who have grown up in the care system. Organisers hope the initiative will help remove those barriers by offering a supportive, non-judgemental space where individuals can engage with art on their own terms.
The partnership builds on the success of The Susan Vickers Foundation’s inaugural art exhibition in August 2024, which attracted more than 300 visitors and demonstrated a strong demand for accessible cultural experiences across Wolverhampton.
Each monthly session will be free of charge, removing financial barriers to participation. Research shows that engagement with arts and culture can improve wellbeing, build confidence and develop critical thinking skills — benefits that are particularly valuable for care-experienced young people as they build their futures.
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