Celebrate Sandwell 2026

This year's event was used to also celebrate the life of Richard Flatley (1956-2026). Richard was a good friend to The Art Yard and sadly died while on holiday at the beginning of the year.

Richard was the major driving force behind Sandwell Networkers Group and firmly believed in community cohesion. Therefore, this year's Celebrating Sandwell was also used to mark Richard's contribution, particularly to supporting community volunteers.

As a tribute to Richard, MFAA treasurer Harry Bloomer screened a short film showing Richard and 11 other Sandwell community champions that took part in the Character Portraits Project recorded by Harry and funded with a Lotter Fund grant through Arts Council England in 2019.

To view Richard's participation and what volunteering meant to him, go to: Facebook

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