“Creative renaissance” set to transform Birmingham
A CREATIVE renaissance is taking place in Birmingham transforming its industrial landscape and bringing back to life declining areas of the city, according to one of the region’s historians.
Consultant historian and researcher Ben Waddington says developments in the city are akin to the changes that took place in 18th century prior to and around the time of the industrial revolution.
“Like the Lunar Society of the Eighteenth Century, there is a sense of a creative and productive renaissance taking place here: distinct individuals with their own research and goals, but reciprocating and advancing in a common direction: outward,” Waddington said.
Waddington draws attention to developments in and around the Eastside’s derelict warehouses and former factory units, where venues and spaces such as the Custard Factory, once the site of Bird’s, and the Fazeley Studios, a former chapel, have been created.
“Eastside – an industrial, urban area to the east of Birmingham’s city centre – is the oldest part of Birmingham and was once home to a mass of foundries, workshops, and tanneries dating back to medieval times.
“Today, Eastside is the largest physical regeneration project in Birmingham and huge tracts of rubble and grassy industrial zones await the realisation of architects’ bright, inspiring vistas.”
His comments also come ahead of the launch of “We Are Eastside” an online and printed guide to the area which will be hosting an “open weekend” running from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th of March.
The Eastside launch also coincides with the Flatpack Festival, Birmingham’s annual festival dedicated to films and moving images which will be hosting free screenings at venues across the city.
The two projects, supported by Birmingham City Council, involve over 18 enterprises and businesses, who will be offering members of the public the chance to take place in a series of free activities, exhibitions, screenings and performances.
Among the enterprises and businesses involved are The Custard Factory, Birmingham Jazz, Craftspace, Capsule, Tindal Street Press, Eastside Projects, Punch and Grand Union.
One of the Flatpack hosts, the Bullring shopping centre, has recently granted free space to Created in Birmingham, a blog turned network which promotes the region’s creative talent.
