Luke Perry, a public artist, has launched the Hearts of Stourbridge project, aimed at creating a platform for positive expression within the community. The campaign has really caught fire over in Stourbridge! Local residents and businesses have loved the colorful flags created by local high school students. Dudley Council, who are entirely behind this project, funded by Arts Council England. It is meant to express the unique character and creative potential of Stourbridge’s young people.
Young people from King Edward VI College worked with Perry on the flags. Collectively these flags powerfully resonate with their voices and experiences. Principal Stuart Eaves said he was pleased with the community’s response, citing a positive, enthusiastic environment around the project as a whole.
Perry said the Hearts of Stourbridge project is an uplifting response to the anger and outraged expression caused by these mainly unauthorized and often misunderstood flag displays. It tackles the misuse of St George’s crosses and union jacks. He stated, “This project was about making a platform so that people could say something really positive.” He added, “There’s nothing more patriotic than wanting to make your home a better place, and that’s what these young people are doing.”
The project has spurred many young students to take part, such as 16-year-old Kaitlyn who came up with designs for about ten flags. Kaitlyn shared her perspective on the initiative, stating, “It’s a form of expressing yourself creatively so it might inspire more people to let their emotions out in creative ways rather than negative ones.” She expressed optimism about the flags’ impact, noting that they are “cheering everyone up after a dark, grey winter.”
Seventeen-year-old Evadne collaborated with two friends to design a flag featuring a rat playing a saxophone, which highlights their shared love of music. Their creation is by no means the first to have graced the town. It’s generated a huge level of community ownership and pride from the residents.
Jerrel Jackson, chief executive of Powered By Can, the Black Country social enterprise delivering the project, remarked on its significance: “We have been able to create a meaningful opportunity for young people to share their creativity and contribute to the cultural life of their community.”
As the flags wave high across Stourbridge, many residents have reported enjoying the vibrant displays, appreciating the diversity of meanings behind each one. Perry concluded his thoughts on the project by highlighting its success. “People are enjoying it. There are so many flags with so many different meanings.”
