Eastside Projects and Grand Union are developing a cultural placemaking strategy for Digbeth.
Graphic design by Keith Dodds, 2024.
Image by Irina Mackie, 2024.
Image by Irina Mackie, 2024.
Grand Union is working with Eastside Projects to develop a Cultural Action Plan for Digbeth, as part of a cultural placemaking programme of activities commissioned by Birmingham City Council’s Cultural Development Service and funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and HM Government’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund.
The Cultural Action Plan is being developed with stakeholders, including cultural organisations, local businesses, audiences, creative freelancers and landowners, people connected to Digbeth who know it better than anyone else.
The process of developing the plan has been one of coming together, recognising and celebrating the growth of the cultural community in Digbeth since the late 1980s. We have been sharing concerns about the impacts of high-profile developments; identifying the need for collaboration to support the cultural life of Digbeth; visioning and planning for culture in Digbeth together, for it to be resilient and have opportunities to thrive.
To date 253 people have participated in a range of ways, including a series of workshops, an online survey and detailed interviews with key stakeholders. Ideas, thoughts, actions, and approaches have been co-developed through these activities into ‘Companion Culture – Four Actions for Digbeth.’ These actions will be shared in due course.
Image by Irina Mackie, 2025.
