Creative enterprise launched in shopping centre by Walsall College students

Walsall shoppers are being encouraged to get creative and support upcoming artists by visiting a new pop-up shop in the Saddlers Centre. Creative Unit is run by art and design and photography students.  It is an all-under-one-roof photography studio, art space, gallery and shop.

The on-site photograph studio was pre-built by the college’s construction students. Visitors can have their portraits taken during an hour-long studio session for £20.

They are also able to view exhibits and purchase postcard prints inspired by local landmarks.

Alan Tyler, Curriculum Manager at the college said: “The Creative Unit is the ideal way for our students to experience the creative professional working world from both a ‘freelance’ and ‘in-house’ perspective. They will take on roles as artists and curators, photographers and client services managers; engaging with shoppers and the wider community in ways that will enhance their skills-set no end.

“Retail commercial opportunities continue to play an important role in the profile-raising of many artists and so it’s fantastic that Walsall’s most prominent shopping centre can support its homegrown talent like this.”