We are now at the halfway point for the Birmingham 2022 Festival, and so far, we have celebrated over 150 amazing events across Birmingham and the West Midlands. The On Record Album launched in festival style, blasting through the streets of Brum. Over 9000 Key to the City holders have been exploring Brum’s hidden treasures, and some of the gifts 4600 Gifts made to give to visiting athletes are now being exhibited at the Library of Birmingham.
As we approach the start of the Commonwealth Games, July is packed with all things sports and culture. Jaskirt Boora’s People, Place & Sport has its grand opening in Sandwell Valley Country Park. Explore the role of gender and ethnicity in sport through Boora’s series of moving portraits and recorded conversations. Also in Sandwell Valley will be Georgia Tucker’s immersive installation, Fluitō, reflecting the meditative experience of swimming through an underwater sound experience.
Precious Emily’s gala performance will be presented at the Midlands Arts Centre. Stan’s Cafe and Birmingham Schools will join to tell the inspiring story of two weightlifting giants, Precious McKenzie and Emily Campbell. Other sports culture events include the highly anticipated table tennis extravaganza Anthem Anthem Revolution from Tasmanian company, Terrapin. In similar style to Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution, each time the ball is returned, a new musical element will accompany building a track for a new generation.
Come Bowl with Me will begin their run of hilarious performances in Leamington Spa and Coventry. Join Talking Birds for the funny and interactive outdoor event and compete in a fierce game of Lawn Bowls. Dive into the rich history of Cadbury’s chocolate with The Bone Ensemble’s CHOCFEST, exploring Ghana’s heritage of cocoa farming for the Commonwealth Games.
Fierce continues their 25th celebrations with their inclusive programme Healing Gardens of Bab. From spectacular projections over Chamberlain Square for Club Até’s In Muva We Trust, to Duckie’s queer pop-up performance, Princess, Picnic, Promenade, there are loads of exciting events, installations and talks to get involved with.
Watch out fore more action at the Birmingham 2022 Festival Sites. Eastside Project are bringing some exciting pieces of art, including Amy Ching-Yan Lam’s Looty Goes to Heaven, an animation piece exploring the life of the Pekinese dog taken from China and gifted to Queen Victoria. Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi’s multimedia artwork exploring the symbolism of the Commonwealth Games, Equations for a Body at Rest, will be making its way across our Festival Sites during games time.
