Iconic Birmingham building marks special anniversary with new artwork

BIRMINGHAM’S Millennium Point has commissioned a specially-designed piece of artwork to commemorate the Eastside building’s 15th anniversary.

Digbeth start-up and creative skills studio, Space play, is creating the piece, which will be a 3D framed sculpture.

Founded by architectural/urban designers, Jay Rajpra and Adam Carthy, Space play is a growing architecture and design studio marrying modern laser technology and craft to create three-dimensional artwork in materials such as concrete, wood and metal.  

Space play is best known for its Brutal Brum series (pictured below) – a collection of sculptures honouring the city’s neglected brutalist architecture including Birmingham Central Library, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the New Street Signal Box.

The artists will work closely with Millennium Point over the summer to create a sculpture that will epitomise the history and changes of the building over the last 15 years.

The piece will explore Millennium Point’s pivotal role in the development of Eastside, as well as celebrate the building’s diverse tenants and partners.

Over the coming weeks, Space play will carry out an architectural study at Millennium Point including a survey of activities within the building before design work begins.

Displayed on Millennium Point’s Atrium Wall, the final piece will be unveiled on October 7 and coincide with the Digbeth First Friday event.

Alongside the artwork, there will be a month-long exhibition of existing work from Space play on show in Millennium Point’s Atrium.

Neil Anderson, director of marketing, communications and events at Millennium Point, said: “Millennium Point has seen many changes over the last 15 years and the building has become somewhat of a catalyst for the many developments currently taking shape in Eastside.

“To mark this exciting time, we wanted to commission a piece of artwork that would become a lasting legacy and it’s great to have collaborated with homegrown talent on this project.”

Jay Rajpra, co-founder of Space play, added: “We are delighted to be working with Millennium Point to help celebrate their 15th anniversary. We are looking forward to showcasing the influence this project has had and continues to provide on the regeneration of Eastside architecturally, as well as the positive social and cultural programme for residents and visitors of Birmingham.”