1 October 2008
Young people from across Birmingham got together yesterday afternoon at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre to give Shadow Minister for Children, Tim Loughton MP, a special sneak preview of photos, artwork and films - part of a project profiling Birmingham, its heritage and identity, and what it means to them.
About to receive its second exciting showcase at the Old Rep this Friday 3rd October, their project. ‘Home’ – A Portrait of Birmingham’s Vibrant Urban Villages’ is part of Portrait of a Nation, a nationwide, year long campaign run by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Liverpool Culture Company that explores the themes of heritage and culture from a young person’s perspective.
Using spaces across the city as varied as the Town Hall to a disused factory space in Digbeth to Andy Warhol’s factory, participants of all ages were asked to create a portrait of our city, starting with a cross generational dance project in May and culminating in film-making for 16 to 19 year olds in September.
90 young people previously not in education, employment or training have been working with Birmingham City Council’s Gallery 37 project, the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, and professional artists gaining skills in everything from ‘Bollywood Opera’ to ‘Freestyle Animation’ and working towards qualifications.
They will join teenagers from 16 other UK cities for a finale showcase of their work in Liverpool in December.
Showing his support for the city’s young people, Mr Loughton took time out of his busy diary to visit them to see an exhibition of their work at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and to hear their thoughts about what makes Birmingham special.
As well as meeting some of the young people themselves, Mr Loughton was also greeted by project leaders, two of the city’s Councillors and the Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s West Midland’s Committee.
Mr Loughton chatted about the work that has gone into the project and the finale showcase that is taking place in Liverpool in December. The young people explained the ideas behind their pieces of work and how they have been successfully working alongside arts professionals to gain a qualification that will help them to become more independent.
Shaun Tullock, one of the young people working on this project, talked about what he had learnt about himself while taking part in the project ‘Home’:
“I was born in Birmingham, as were my parents, but their parents were born in Jamaica, so it’s important for me to know where my relations and ancestors come from. The project has also helped me to find out more about other people’s roots.”
Katie Foster, HLF West Midlands Committee member said “It is very exciting to see the young people of this city take part in the national culture and identity debate that is ‘Portrait of a Nation’ and seeing the work they have produced, how they have interpreted themselves and their environments, and ultimately what their vision is of the heritage that makes Birmingham special.”
The young people also got a chance to hear Mr Loughton’s thoughts and feelings on the subjects of heritage and identity when he took part in a vox pop answering questions about his experiences.
The Shadow Minister for Children said “It’s delightful to see such creativity, hard work, imagination and spirit working together by these young people of Birmingham. They should be proud of their achievements when they display their work on the national stage in Liverpool this December.”
Cllr Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture said: ”It’s fantastic that the Shadow Minister has taken time out to meet the participants in Birmingham City Council’s fantastic Gallery 37 project, which over the last ten years has launched hundreds of young people into a career in Birmingham’s thriving arts community.”
Notes to Editors:
*Cities running local Portrait of a Nation events include:-
• Belfast
• Birmingham
• Bradford
• Brighton & Hove
• Bristol
• Canterbury
• Cardiff
• Derby
• Leeds
• Liverpool
• Newham (London)
• Manchester
• NewcastleGateshead
• Norwich
• Nottingham
• Oxford
• Inverness (Highlands and Islands)
Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
• Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4billion across the UK, with over £290 million going to projects in the West Midlands. Website: www.hlf.org.uk.
Liverpool Culture Company (LCC)
• The Liverpool Culture Company was established by Liverpool City Council in 2000, to lead the city’s bid to be European Capital of Culture 2008. In June 2003, following a two-year nationwide competition featuring 12 cities, Liverpool was chosen as the UK’s representative for 2008. The programme for 2008 includes more than 350 events and festivals – many of which are free – delivered in collaboration with major cultural institutions, artists, performers and venues throughout Liverpool and beyond. For more information visit www.liverpool08.com.