Love Libraries Award finalist 2007
Urban Art at Birmingham Central Library
Birmingham Library staff hold regular creative workshops in the library for a group of young homeless people from St Basils Charity and Housing Association.
With the support of a local artist, the group have used their artistic talents to transform two grey concrete walls at the rear of the library into a welcoming graffiti display to attract more young people inside.
The group were inspired by library services – books and story characters, magazines, membership cards and computers with free internet access to produce a vibrant display of urban art, which can be enjoyed by all who walk past.
“The Urban Art project is a wonderful project to work on. The young people from St Basil’s are really
enthused, engaging in the resources on offer to design and paint graffiti art work promoting the service.
We continue to work with the group and are planning to redevelop an unused area near to the library.
They have shown commitment and determination and are really pleased about being nominated for this
award. It is a real pleasure working with them.”
Phil Burns, Youth Development Officer, Birmingham Central Library
“I’m really pleased. It’s the best project I’ve ever really done to be honest. Every single person that
came to do this project was really good and I’m really like chuffed with it – so I’m really proud.”
Urban Art project member
“Hopefully through what we’ve put on the walls, eventually people will come into the library and find
out what the library’s got to offer.”
Urban Art project member
What do you love about Urban Art?
“I have seen many of the homeless people enter the room that they use for this project... They go in dejected and come out of the room a couple of hours elated, with real joy in their faces. They have had the joy of planning a project and seeing it come to fruition and on to being admired by, and a source of joy for the general Birmingham City Centre commuters and passers-by. Based on this result, my experience as a non-librarian I endorse the project to other City and County libraries, even extending it beyond the realms of art.”
“Great idea of Birmingham Central Library to put art on the wall outside, which got us into the library! Really good work and most importantly, the youngsters really felt a connection.”
“All the birmingham libraries are fantastic; we are so lucky here that the staff are really friendly and efficient. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to say thank you; the library is one of few places that all people really are truly welcome; there is so much for people to do; you’ve just got to be part of what is happening / or pick up a leaflet; it really is as simple as that. thanks...”
“Birmingham Central Library is sooooo awesome. It’s got everything u need. Plus the staff are so dedicated. In my opinion they deserve the 1st prize for they sheer determination throughout the years that i have been visiting this library.”
Visit Birmingham Central Library in the West Midlands online
