Wolverhampton city centre is being transformed into a colourful open-air gallery thanks to a major youth-led arts project celebrating creativity, identity and community.

The Visual Arts Trail, led by Wolverhampton Arts Centre as part of Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture, features nine bold large-scale artworks created by young people working alongside professional artists.

The installations have popped up across the city, turning everyday spaces into eye-catching displays of contemporary art.

One of the standout pieces is Hands of the City at The Way Youth Zone, created with artist India Birtwisle and young people from Wolverhampton. The installation celebrates unity, connection and the voices of the city’s younger generation.

Paul Snape, CEO of The Way Youth Zone, said the project shows what can happen when organisations work together to support young people.

“Projects like this give young people a chance to express themselves, build confidence and see their ideas come to life,” he said.

Young people from organisations including The Way Youth Zone, Beatsabar, Wolverhampton Virtual School and Wolverhampton College explored themes such as music, identity and aspiration while creating the artworks.

The trail also includes work from artists Charlotte Webb, Rachel Winsper, Caris Jackson, Ewan Johnston, Sam Wootton and Kathleen Fabre.

Visitors can also unlock augmented reality features by scanning QR codes beside the artworks, bringing parts of the trail to life digitally.

Councillor Stephen Simkins, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said the project highlights the city’s “incredible young creative talent”.

Guided walking tours of the trail will take place throughout the summer, giving visitors the chance to discover the stories behind the artworks.

You can find the trail map at visualartstrail.org.uk.