Former Municipal Bank building to host art exhibition
ONE of Birmingham’s most historic landmark buildings is set to open its doors to the public for the first time in 10 years when it plays host to a four-day contemporary arts exhibition.
From today until Sunday the Grade II listed former Municipal Bank on Broad Street will showcase a creative programme of drawings, images, sound and light, video and music from local, national and international artists.
The bank was established as the Birmingham Corporation Savings Bank in 1916, initially to raise funds to aid the war effort. It changed its name to Birmingham Municipal Bank in 1919 and was developed into a savings bank for the people of Birmingham.
It moved to its home in Broad Street in November 1933 when the new building was opened by Prince George. The bank eventually became part of the Trustee Savings Bank, which disappeared when the TSB was sold to Lloyds. It closed its doors in 2001 and the building was sold to Birmingham City Council in 2006.
The title of the new exhibition is Thrift Radiates Happiness. The line has been taken from an inscription found carved across a main beam within the building. All the art projects featured will appropriately focus on finance and investment.
The showcase event is the result of an arts and business collaboration between Birmingham-based gallery TROVE, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Birmingham Architectural Association (BAA), Birmingham City Council and global architect practice Aedas.
Entrance to the exhibition will be free following funding awarded by The Arts Council, RIBA and Aedas.
Alongside the art exhibition there will be an extensive educational programme provided by the BAA and RIBA, including a public debate, heritage tours and a student design competition.
Marcus Wilkins, studio director at Aedas, said: “Birmingham has a vibrant architectural community, a remarkable collection of heritage buildings and a thriving arts scene. These ingredients have been combined to deliver what promises to be a truly unique exhibition of art.
“The value of business and art working together has long been recognised by those working in both sectors. It strengthens creativity, innovation and collaboration, something that Birmingham is reputed for. Aedas is delighted to be part of it.”
Gavin Orton, regional chair of RIBA West Midlands, added: “This rich new cultural collaboration will deliver something truly spectacular for Birmingham. It is a perfect example of Birmingham organisations working together to create a pioneering cultural partnership that will deliver a new chapter of arts activity for the city.
“We are delighted that the council has allowed us to use this great building to promote arts and architecture in this way. It is a demonstration on how important local buildings can be creatively re-used and re-imagined. The exhibition theme of investment and finance is also highly fitting in a building that has stood the test of at least four major recessions in the last 100 years.
“We hope that this is the first of many exhibitions that this new partnership will deliver for Birmingham and the West Midlands.”
