New public art piece celebrates diversity in Birmingham

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.”

“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 13-metre long installation was built over 14 days by Luke’s team, who also represent the region’s diversity.”

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.

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.

“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.

Luke Perry

“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.