Weekender: Art project on the right track with new partnership

The operator of the new rail franchise for the West Midlands has signed up to be one of the supporting partners of the Birmingham Big Art Project.

West Midlands Trains, which operates West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway, will provide rail travel for the project’s artist, Susan Phillipsz, as well as a number of other BBAP representatives during 2018.

Artwork produced by the project is intended to become emblematic of a new Birmingham. It is aimed at raising the city’s cultural profile and engendering greater civic pride.

The focal point for the project will be Eastside City Park, near both Millennium Point and Curzon Street Station. The area is set to take on added significance in the next few years with the development of Curzon Eastside and the eventual arrival of the city’s new HS2 station.

Francis Thomas, Head of Corporate Affairs for West Midlands Trains, said: “West Midlands Trains is committed to getting closer to the communities we serve. The Big Art Project is an exciting and ambitious initiative that will create a new iconic landmark for the region that everyone can enjoy.”

Glyn Pitchford, chairman of The Birmingham Big Art Project, said: “I’m delighted that West Midlands Trains have put their backing behind the Birmingham Big Art Project by agreeing to become our Official Travel Partner 2018.

“The travel concessions will be utilised by the team behind our public art project and will be particularly helpful to Susan Philipsz, the winning artist who lives in Berlin and who we expect to meet from time to time in both London and Birmingham. She expects to use this comfortable service regularly.

“We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead focusing on fundraising and liaising with the business community, for which West Midlands Trains sponsorship will be integral.”

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