Wolverhampton School of Art has been at the centre of the City’s creative and industrial strategy since the 1850’s when our first purpose-built art school was commissioned. Our current home was formally opened to students in October 1970 – 50 years ago. Charles Wheeler’s brave and iconic architecture has dominated the Wolverhampton skyline ever since. Students on our Art, Design and Screen based courses join a creative, practice led community in which they find the time, space and resources to gain high level skills as makers and learn to understand the historical and contemporary scope of their subject. Socially engaged and community arts practice is core to our history and vision and the Wolverhampton School of Art has a long tradition of working with industry, civic and community partners. We embrace a diverse student body and aim to provide targeted and public access opportunities through an outreach programme that includes school/college experience days, the annual Artsfest and degree shows, exhibitions, conferences and public lectures.
In 2021 the city of Wolverhampton has been selected as the opening destination for the prestigious British Art Show. In what is a major boost and sign of recognition for arts and culture in Wolverhampton, the School of Art are proud to be hosting part of the respected touring exhibition in March 2021. The British Art Show is widely acknowledged as the most important recurrent exhibition of contemporary art produced in this country, unrivalled in its ambition, scope and national reach. The show will be an opportunity to talk to the artists who are creating visuals and giving voice to some of the most pressing concerns of our times.
