Culture Forward takes its name from the City of Birmingham’s dynamic motto; it takes its cue from the University of Birmingham’s renewed commitment to its civic mission, and the success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Culture Forward is co-defined, co-owned and co-delivered with local partners, and will rationalise and intensify University contributions to civic culture by:
- Establishing and promoting a network of partner artists / organisations in the City, who will collectively devise a new strategy for the University’s cultural engagement with the region.
- Delivering a highly visible activity programme that brings together the University’s academic strengths across education and research with the city’s diverse cultural organisations.
- Strengthening the relationship between the University and the City by addressing urgent issues of inequality and representation for Birmingham’s diverse communities.
Councillor Saima Suleman
Cabinet Member for Digital Culture, Heritage and Tourism
“Birmingham is a forward thinking and dynamic city, with an arts and culture scene that is second to none. Collaboration is key in this sector and Culture Forward further strengthens the relationship between the city and the university to deliver civic culture and pride. The University of Birmingham is one of the city council’s key partners and I am delighted to be working with colleagues at the university to celebrate our city’s uniqueness and diversity through arts and culture.”
Professor Andrew Stockley
Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of College of Arts and Law
“We are delighted to launch Culture Forward, a new partnership between the university and cultural organisations across the City. The name Culture Forward takes its cue from the dynamic motto of Birmingham, its flourishing cultural scene and the momentum following the 2022 Commonwealth Games. We hope to bring the University of Birmingham’s research and teaching into even richer conjunction with the life of the City, and to help Birmingham make an impact locally, nationally and internationally.”
Jayne Francis
Former Cabinet Member for Digital Culture, Heritage and Tourism
“I am so pleased to be involved with Culture Forward – the University of Birmingham is one of our key partners in keeping our city at the forefront of thinking in respect of arts and culture projects. Culture Forward is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when real partnership and collaboration take place – Birmingham City Council is proud to work alongside such committed colleagues at UoB.”