Digbeth Dining Club’s Dockworks Waterfront has unveiled a new art space celebrating Black Country creativity as the Brierley Hill venue marks six months since opening.

The food, drink and events destination has partnered with creative brand Black Country Type to launch the dedicated gallery area, showcasing work by local artists and makers.

Curated by Black Country Type founder Tom Hicks, the inaugural exhibition features a selection of artworks by Claire Buckerfield, General Blimey and Bag Lord, alongside Hicks’ own photography. The display brings together a range of styles and disciplines, from abstract drawing and digital art to painting and illustration inspired by everyday life, local culture and storytelling.

Tom Hicks said: “It is exciting to be invited by Dockworks to curate artworks for its new space at the Waterfront.

“DockWorks has shown a real commitment to showcasing work by talented contemporary artists from the Black Country. One of my key aims is to work with artists who celebrate the culture and atmosphere of the region, and this first selection reflects that.”

The new gallery forms part of Dockworks Waterfront’s wider commitment to supporting local creatives, businesses and community organisations.

Located on a former steelworks site at the Waterfront in Brierley Hill, the 7,000 sq ft venue opened earlier this year following a major refurbishment. Since then, it has developed a programme of events ranging from markets and quizzes to live music, sports screenings and community gatherings.

James Swinburne, co-founder and director of Digbeth Dining Club and Dockworks Waterfront, said the venue was designed with a strong focus on celebrating Black Country identity.

“Through local partnerships we are supporting and understanding our community, rather than simply being another food and drink venue in the region,” he said.

“Our events programme continues to grow, with new collaborations and activities being added regularly. We want Dockworks to be a place that brings people together and reflects the character of the area.”

Alongside hosting street food traders and independent businesses, Dockworks Waterfront has also developed partnerships with organisations including the Black Country Food Network and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, while serving as a collection point for Black Country Foodbank.

For more information and upcoming events, visit digbethdiningclub.com/venue/the-waterfront.