Eastside Projects at Birmingham City University (BCU) is changing our view of public art. BICA, located in Birmingham, is a space for artists. Here, they explore new ways to create and share their work. They mix classic art styles with new and creative approaches. These include user manuals, long-term projects, and upcycled or “useful” art.
Their research resulted in big projects. One significant result was Susan Philipsz’s £2 million artwork for HS2 Curzon Station. They also worked with David Kohn Architects on a big project. Together, they won a £60 million competition to design Birmingham’s Smithfield Market. Like 22Bet AZ brings innovation to online gaming, Eastside Projects brings bold new energy to public art and community-driven creativity.
How Has the Research Been Carried Out?
EP’s practice philosophy is all about sharing art. It does this by being an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. EP seeks to find ways art can help society. It will create quality public projects focusing on history, people, and permanence. Additionally, it will question and support the local art scene.
EP’s research focuses on making public art that reflects Birmingham’s history. EP published The Artist and the Engineer, a children’s book that tells the story of Birmingham. The book includes the city’s coat of arms and tells a story about an artist and an engineer. It highlights the history of collaboration, which became central to EP’s research.
The team has launched several funded projects. One of them is a mobile app called CHIME for the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. CHIME stands for “Cultural Heritage and Improvised Music in European Festivals.” The team created “Hack the Jazz Festival” to help improve how the Cheltenham Jazz Festival chooses its artists.
Outcomes and Impact
This impact work dealt with key challenges in the sector. It focused on engaging audiences, developing art, and improving organizational policy. The team’s ideas and creative work helped shape real decisions. The Cheltenham Jazz Festival now uses their ideas to tackle the issues the research uncovered.
Ask ChatGPT. The BCU team created the CHIME mobile app. The app has become a vital part of the festival’s digital strategy. Data from users in 2016 and 2019 showed that it helped to better understand the Festival audience.
The BCU team used their research to create the initiatives listed above. These include Hack the Festival, workshops, and mobile app pilots. These projects offered the Cheltenham Jazz Festival fresh ideas and tools. As a result, it can transform how things run.
Conclusion
Eastside Projects and the BCU team show that art and research can inspire real change. The way we create and share public art has shifted. Now, we use creative thinking, mobile apps, and workshops to make it happen. Telling stories plays a big role in making this work successful. Their work at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival proves that new ideas can thrive. Amazing things happen when artists, researchers, and local communities come together.
This approach doesn’t improve festivals or public spaces. Instead, it redefines how we create art in public. Just as 22Bet AZ shakes up gaming, Eastside Projects refreshes city culture. It highlights that creativity is for all.