Millennium Point will be a hive of creative talent this September as Punch Records marks the end of its creative residency programme, Gallery 37, with a free Showcase event. On Saturday 10th September the main atrium at Millennium Point will be filled with live music, poetry and spoken word performances, dance, film and more as the participants of Gallery 37 showcase the work they have created during the 8-day residency.
The young creatives will join the likes of Apples & Snakes, Beatfreeks, and Sticky Toffee on the stage throughout the day as they perform in front of live audiences.
The day will also feature peformances from Paul “Steady” Steadman from premier dance collective Flawless, R&B and soul singer-songwriter Terri Walker and urban artist RoxXxan.
For those who were unable to attend 2016’s new look Gallery 37, the Showcase will feature a range of mastercalsses, workshops creative career advice and industry low down events to get involved in. A series of Open Studios will be held inside the venue with G37 artists, A3 Gallery, Juneau Projects, Grand Union, Make/Shift/Space, and Beatcamp with Screama, alongside guest producer Diztortion. Local street food provider, Taste & Liquor will also be on site through the day serving up an array of fresh food and sweet treats.
Produced by the UK’s leading music development agency, Punch Records, Gallery 37 is Birmingham’s long-established youth arts participation programme. This year it has provided free creative skills training to over fifty young people who have found themselves outside of education and employment.
Ammo Talwar, CEO of Punch Records, said: “As Gallery 37 grows closer, we’re excited to announce the details of our grand finale. This year’s programme explores space as a theme and what better place than Millennium Point. The futuristic atrium is the perfect environment to start collaborations, create connections and to think about the future.”
Councillor Brett O’Reilly, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Skills for Birmingham City Council, said: “Gallery 37’s innovative programme gives young people the opportunity to learn new skills in order to reach their full creative potential. We are delighted Gallery 37 is returning in such a dynamic fashion during Birmingham’s Year of Arts and Young People, as it demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the Youth Promise and backing our local creative people.”
Neil Anderson, director of marketing, communications and events at Millennium Point, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Gallery 37 and looking forward to the final showcase event in which we have no doubt we will see some very talented young people showcase their skills to the city. As a venue that is committed to supporting young, talented and ambitious individuals, we’re very excited to be working with Gallery 37 and ensuring the city’s young and creative talent has a platform to shine.”
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.”
Gallery 37’s hands-on creative residency programme will run from 2 to 10 September, with the free Showcase event taking place at Millennium Point on Saturday 10 September, from 12pm to 10.30pm
