In the second phase of this project, there are two commissions available, working to the strengths of the following collections:

Sandwell Museum Service
The Black Country’s rich industrial heritage is represented in the collections of these two services by metalware, locks, engineering and ceramics.  The successful designers / makers will have the opportunity to visit the collections and the support of a knowledgeable curator to provide background and a guide to the collection. 

Although many of the regional industrial trades have been in decline, contemporary makers and manufacturers are still working in these areas.  We are therefore keen for applicants to consider working with a local manufacturer to produce the batch run.  

There is further information at the end of this document about each of the participating venues and their specific requirements.

Outcome
Each commissioned maker will design and produce (either themselves or in collaboration with a manufacturer) a limited edition run of 50 – 300 items.  Each product will retail between £10 and £50 and will be sold in museum, gallery and heritage centre shops run by the five partners.  We also aim to use the Culture Label website to achieve global sales – http://www.culturelabel.com.  A brand identity and marketing strategy will be developed alongside the commissions, so that all the products will be packaged and promoted as part of the Buy Black Country limited edition collection.