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New public art piece celebrates diversity in Birmingham
Fatt Butcher raises money for asylum seekers with new single
FORWARD TOGETHER
) Birmingham’s diversity is showcased in a new monument unveiled in Victoria Square last month. The large metal sculpture, entitled Forward Together, was created by artist Luke Perry along with a team of friends – Raaj Shamji, Nats Perry, Haldin Wright and Pauline Bailey.
The artwork was inspired by the city’s motto, Forward, and is a reimagining of Birmingham’s crest being raised by a line of 25 silhouetted figures who represent local people. “The artist and his team were determined to use real people as models to represent the city in this artwork – and in doing so retain the integrity and soul of the message that together we are stronger,” said a press release from Birmingham City Council. Raaj Shamji explained that the monument features “real people who are not usually celebrated… These are everyday heroes who have their own personal, extraordinary stories”. Among the listed cast is local drag artist and performer (now based in Manchester) Cheddar Gorgeous, who is portrayed at the very front of the line. Cheddar said: “[It] was such an honour to be included in this monument to diversity ideals in Birmingham by my friend Luke Perry.”
Mama Mamba, and many more of the city’s finest. The video was free to watch on BIDF TV for several days and the single itself was released on Bandcamp.
) Creative prouder and theatre maker Adam Carver – aka Fatt Butcher – premiered their single Anywhere is a Dance Floor with a music video as part of the Birmingham International Dance Festival, produced by DanceXChange.
Birmingham Pride awards grants to LGBTQ+ community groups Asylum Seekers, BLGBT volunteering group, Pink Sou’westers, Shout Festival, Boot Women, Positive Peers, Rainbow Pooch Pride, Out Central Youth Group and Rainbow Voices.
“The 13-metre long installation was built over 14 days by Luke’s team, who also represent the region’s diversity.”
Luke Perry said: “In recent years, there seems to be a growing mood of opposition in the world: we all are encouraged to find our tribe, pick a corner and cram ourselves into a pigeonhole.
LUKE PERRY
“Forward Together is a view of an alternative world, yet one that exists and is working if we choose to see it. We can all pull together to raise our society out of the shade. “It was the greatest honour to be able to work with friends to create this piece and to celebrate people who do not have their share of credit. “I hope this artwork is a small part of the massive movement to unite, rather than divide, our communities: we just need to see our common loves rather than our exclusive differences.” The monument was created for a TV competition which is due to air in October and the installation will be displayed for at least 12 months; there is no news regarding what will happen to the artwork after that time.
The profits from sales were combined with collections at several of Fatt Butcher’s shows at The Nightingale, and they told us they have raised roughly £300.
The video, created by Adam and Jason Guest, featured dancers from Motion Dance Co, as well as many faces from the Birmingham drag scene, including; D For more info: Yshee Black, Black Peppa, Blu Romantic, Lacey Lou, Christian Gay, www.adamgcarver.com
“Luke’s background is in public art,” said the Birmingham Council press release, “representing those that are underrepresented, and his team created Forward Together to address the imbalance of representation in public monuments.
The crest at the front of the artwork features the quotes “No one is here without a struggle”, and “We all came here from somewhere”, from Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem We Refugees.
Carver made a commitment that during Pride Month, 100% of profits would go to support LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in Birmingham and the wider UK. All money received during June 2021 (after Bandcamp’s fees were removed) was to be split evenly between two causes – charity Rainbow Migration and Eric Scutaro, “a friend, artist, activist, and voguer currently based in Birmingham and applying for asylum to remain in the UK permanently and is crowdfunding to cover his legal fees”. More info: https:// uk.gofundme.com/f/eric-scutaro
) Birmingham Pride shared photos of several LGBTQ+ community groups which operate in the city on social media, celebrating the receipt of grants from £700 to £1,250. Among the beneficiaries were Brum Bi Group, Birmingham LGBT Centre, Integreat Theatre, Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra, Journey LGBT
Birmingham Pride gave a “Special thanks to Steve Ball, Rimon, Hannah and Charlie for facilitating the donations and the awards,” adding that it was “a huge privilege and pleasure to award a number of Birmingham Pride grants to some amazing LGBTQ+ community and support groups from Birmingham and the wider West Midlands at our presentation event held at the Loft Birmingham”.
West Midlands Trains wins award for commitment to diversity & inclusion. ) West Midlands Trains (WMT) was this award is important recognition that named Most Improved Organisation equality, diversity and inclusion are at the at the 2021 FREDIE (Fairness, Respect, heart of our business.” Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement) Awards, which are run by the National Centre for Diversity. Jo MacPhail, HR director at WMT, said: “It's our priority for employees to feel safe, respected and welcome and
