City Centre Art Jam Splashes Colour and Creativity in Town
On Saturday 8th August, the city centre’s second Art Jam returned to the old bus station, to rejuvenate bland and abandoned hoarding.
Following the success of the inaugural event in 2024, Art Jam returned to transform the former bus station site on Birch Terrace into a vibrant outdoor canvas, showcasing the talents of artists from across Staffordshire and beyond.
Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) partnered with Hustlers of Culture to bring this celebration of creativity back to the city centre for 2026. Stoke-on-Trent City Council granted Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID special permission to use the former bus station site hoarding.
Spectators explored throughout the day to watch stunning large-scale artworks come to life before their eyes as artists created original pieces live on site. During the event in 2024, over 40 artists took part and were given their own pitch to work on. All artists were arranged in advance for 2026 by Rob Fenton, co-producer of the award-winning 100 Years, 100 Faces mural in 2025.
Alongside the live art, visitors enjoyed a programme of live DJs, skateboarding demonstrations from Unit1 Park Works, family-friendly activities and brilliant burgers and beverages from Backyard Burgers and Goodwins Coffee creating a vibrant atmosphere in the city centre. Up by the blue clock, the Potteries Artisan Market were in attendance with plenty of home made goods for sale, plus face painting and crafts.
Richard Buxton, CEO of Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID welcomed the return of Art Jam:
"Following the fantastic response to Art Jam, we're thrilled to be bringing it back for 2026. It's a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the wealth of creative talent we have both locally and further afield, while giving people another reason to visit the city centre and experience something completely different.
"We're grateful to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for allowing us to use the former bus station site once again, and we're delighted to be working with Rob Fenton and Hustlers of Culture, whose passion for showcasing creativity continues to inspire people across the city."
Rob Fenton, of Hustlers of Culture, added:
"Art Jam is all about making art accessible, bringing people together and celebrating creativity in a public space. After the warm reception of the 100 Years, 100 Faces mural installed in Hanley last year, there's clearly an appetite for colour."
Over 40 pieces of brand new artworks are now complete on the surrounding hoarding of Birch Terrace and Old Hall Street.
ENDS
