By Jonathan Berg
Chapter 6 of Jonathan Berg’s book looks at Regeneration in Handsworth Park and Lozells and how art has been used in projects, where initiatives have had a strong emphasis on developing community involvement.
Jonathan notes "Community groups in both areas have realised that public art can be a powerful platform to recognise both the diversity and excitement of inner-city Birmingham. Art can create interest and pride in the area and help to change perceptions with in and of the community."
“The dedicated work of community organisations such as Handsworth Creative, strongly supported by Birmingham City Council’s Parks Department, has created a secure and sustainable base for public art in the area. The original three-year initiative to create an arts trail, lead by Pauline Bailey and Jan Kimber, has now grown into a longer-term and significant initiative with a refreshing community-based commissioning model. Ongoing public engagement such as guided walks and school visits ensures that the existing installations continue to attract interest and don’t fall into neglect, while the community now has a mechanism and the skills needed for planning and commissioning new work in the future."
For more information about the book: www.birminghamspublic.art
