Dockworks Waterfront Celebrates Six Months with New Art Space and Community Partnerships
Image credit Digbeth Dining Club.
Dockworks Waterfront in Dudley has marked its half-year milestone by launching a new art space curated by Black Country Type, a renowned creative brand. The venue, an initiative of Digbeth Dining Club, has become a hub for local culture, food, and business collaborations in the West Midlands.
The newly unveiled gallery area features works by Black Country Type artist Tom Hicks alongside pieces from local creatives Claire Buckerfield, General Blimey, and Bag Lord. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of art forms, including 2D and 3D drawings made with unconventional materials, digital art reflecting everyday spaces and routines, and paintings that explore myth and politics through symbolism and imaginative narratives.
Tom Hicks expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating: “It is exciting to be invited by Dock Works to curate artworks for its new space at the Waterfront.” He highlighted Dockworks’ dedication to promoting contemporary Black Country artists, adding, “One of my key aims is to work with artists who create work that celebrates the culture and atmosphere of the region.” Hicks’ curation includes his own photographs of the Black Country alongside the selected artworks.
Located on a 7,000 square foot site of a former steelworks in Brierley Hill, Dockworks Waterfront underwent a £500,000 refurbishment earlier this year. Since opening, it has established itself as a popular destination offering food, drinks, and entertainment. Its calendar features monthly markets, bingo nights, quizzes, live DJ sets, sports screenings, and talks, all developed through ongoing engagement with local residents and visitors.
James Swinburne, co-founder and director of Digbeth Dining Club and Dockworks Waterfront, emphasised the venue’s commitment to regional identity: “From the outset of planning Dockworks, we have made sure a strong focus on the Black Country identity is part of our everyday business.” He added that the venue supports the community through local partnerships rather than positioning itself as just another food and drink spot.
James also noted the expanding events programme, which aims to cater to a broad audience, saying: “We’re working hard to ensure the DDC model in Brierley Hill really does have something for everyone – from young families to older music fans, food aficionados to craft beer devotees.” He expressed gratitude to local partners and visitors for shaping the venue’s approach during its first six months.
Dockworks Waterfront supports numerous established street food businesses with weekly trading opportunities from Thursday to Sunday. It also fosters emerging food creators through dedicated events that prioritise local makers, small businesses, and independent traders. Among these is Black Country Day, an event designed to unite the community in celebrating the region.
The venue has strengthened its ties with the local food scene by partnering with the Black Country Food Network and collaborating with the Black Country Chambers of Commerce to host mixer and networking events, as well as corporate and private hires. Additionally, Dockworks serves as a collection point for the Black Country Foodbank, further embedding itself within the community.
