Did you know that the Playstation font was designed by twins who studied in Wolverhampton? Or that a West Bromwich cactus breeder has received gold at RHS Chelsea for the last seven successive years? Or that a care worker from Sandwell beat fourteen professional comedians to win ‘Joke of the Year’ at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016?

The Black Country was forged at the hands of skilled men and women from all walks of life, but while its great industrial heritage is successfully recognised, a new campaign is set to bring much needed recognition to the present-day experts forming the Black Country of tomorrow.

The ‘100 Masters’ campaign, produced by Creative Black Country, aims to inspire future talent by identifying skilled people living and working in the region today. The public are being asked to have their say and nominate someone they know who is brilliant at what they do – contemporary experts in any field of expertise from across the region.

No achievement is too big or small, from a neighbour who bakes the best bread you’ve ever tasted, or a local landlord who brews the best beer. Perhaps you know someone who can make the most intricate origami paper ornaments or can turn a piece of rubbish in to a beautifully upcycled piece of furniture. A master can be from any walk of life, but they must have been born in the region or have studied, lived or worked in Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley or Wolverhampton for a significant period of time.

Creative Black Country is part of the Creative People and Places programme, initiated and funded by Arts Council England through the National Lottery. The project wants to find and applaud noteworthy people who have forged their own path and displayed outstanding ability that has influenced others in their field.

If you know someone that deserves to be recognised for their passion and commitment, you can nominate them here.