Culture Forward Partners Share Insights on Cultural Collaborations in Birmingham

During the College of Arts and Law Professional Services Conference on 12 September 2024, Culture Forward partners were on a panel to discuss ‘Working in Partnership to Promote the Arts in Birmingham,’ offering insights into local cultural collaborations. The discussion featured Sara Blair-Manning (Birmingham Botanical Gardens), Linzi Stauvers (Ikon), Iris Bertz (Bertz Associates), and Sara Jones (Culture Forward) who shared their experiences and perspectives on promoting the arts in the city. The session was chaired by David Evans-Powell (Culture Forward).

Sara Jones introduced Culture Forward (CF), explaining its mission to support collaborative cultural efforts in Birmingham, especially in the face of funding cuts. CF aims to diversify its membership and connect organisations with research expertise and provide internship opportunities to students. Jones highlighted how CF's partnerships with cultural organisations enhance both research impact and public engagement in the city.

Panellists discussed their motivations for joining CF. Linzi Stauvers described it as a unique collaboration that enabled Ikon to ‘co-define the project as a collective. The University opened up a gem, a holding of the City’ in reference to the Birmingham Qur’an, which created ‘a very special way of working, and created a beautiful product with young artists in the city.’

Sara Blair-Manning emphasised the value of collaboration in her work at BBG and core practice, stressing the importance of connecting people to the city's cultural and natural heritage. She spoke about coming to Birmingham and how ‘there didn’t seem to be a particularly formalised way to do strategic partnership working, so it was very welcome to see it at the University.’ Iris Bertz shared how CF provides access to research and learning opportunities for smaller organisations, fostering an environment of ‘incidental learning by learning through exchange’, which is ‘how the best ideas are born.’

The panellists also outlined their activities within CF, from research collaborations to community engagement projects. They highlighted CF's role in facilitating meaningful cultural exchanges and transformative experiences in the city, such as supporting creative initiatives within different communities and enhancing public access to cultural spaces. More information on Culture Forward’s projects can be found on our webpage.

Addressing challenges in Birmingham's cultural sector, the panel discussed issues like funding constraints, public perception, and the need for innovative business models. They emphasised CF's potential to tackle these challenges by promoting collaboration, community outreach, and new ways of working – truly ‘activating the cultural sector’.

The session concluded with a Q&A segment that explored the power of the arts in empowering communities and shaping Birmingham's cultural narrative. This panel session highlighted the vital role of cultural collaborations in shaping Birmingham's arts landscape. It demonstrated how partnerships like Culture Forward can foster a more inclusive, vibrant, and resilient cultural sector in the city.

Culture Forward would like to thank Sara Blair-Manning, Linzi Stauvers and Iris Bertz for their giving their time, expertise and insights, and for being dedicated and valued Culture Forward network members.