University celebrates bold Visual Arts Trail installation created with young people across the city

The University is proud to celebrate the unveiling of A Glance Back Down the Hoss Road, a striking new artwork installed on the Millennium City Building as part of the Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture’s expanding Visual Arts Trail.

Created by artist Sam Wootton in collaboration with young people from across Wolverhampton, the piece blends the city’s Anglo‑Saxon origins, industrial heritage and distinctive Art Deco architecture. Featuring motifs such as flocking pigeons and reimagined elements of the city skyline, the artwork forms a bold, vibrant contribution to Wolverhampton’s growing outdoor arts landscape.

Overseen by producer Rachel Winsper, the installation marks the sixth addition to the Visual Arts Trail, with three more artworks scheduled for early 2026 - further enhancing this evolving, citywide journey through creativity and civic identity.

A deepening partnership with young creatives

The University is a key partner in the project’s development, working closely with Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture on both delivery and research. The Institute of Community Research and Development is supporting evaluation work alongside a team of peer researchers, strengthening understanding of how young people experience and shape cultural activity across the city.

University leaders celebrate creativity and community collaboration

Lindsey Chambers, Head of School of Social Science, Humanities and Creative Industries said:

“The School of Social Sciences and Humanities and Creative Industries are proud to support the amazing work of the Arts Trail initiative. The artists and participant have created bold and dramatic piece of work that showcases the talent and creativity that we have within Wolverhampton and the Black Country.”

Kelly Jeffs, Programme Manager for Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture, added:

“Supported by Arts Council England's Place Partnership Fund, having one of the trail pieces sited at the University builds on the exciting partnership the City of Youth Culture has already established with the Institute of Community Research and Development. Assessing the impact of the project with the research team is such a valuable opportunity to understand how young people shape and experience culture across the city.”

A celebration open to all

Members of the public are invited to experience the Visual Arts Trail through a self‑guided walk, exploring the installations ‘in the wild’ and engaging with the creativity and cultural stories expressed by local young people and artists.

For more information about the Visual Arts Trail and its upcoming installations, visit:
https://wolverhamptonartscentre.co.uk/wcoyc/visual-arts-trail/