Birmingham 2022 Festival presents - 'The Underground Railroad'
A Creative City Project generously funded by Birmingham City Council
This is a ground-breaking arts interpretation of the Harriet Tubman’s ‘Underground Railroad’ - as a network of secret routes and safe houses in the United States that support runaway slaves to freedom during the early to mid-19th century. The project will showcase the network of individuals and organisations that have supported the Jamaican community in Birmingham, in celebration of Jamaica's 60th anniversary of Independence and 200th anniversary of Harriet Tubman.
Black Heritage Walks Network CIC have collaborated with local artists and co designed a virtual Underground Railroad , from Wolverhampton to Birmingham with young people. The virtual trail will link the arts installations to notable black community leaders and their contributions in the ‘Underground Railroad’
The three murals are;
Diamond Diva - an innovative arts installation celebrating Jamaica's 60th anniversary of independence with a modern focus on Jamaican cuisine and recipes passed on by black women
Birmingham's Reggae Royalty - delivered in partnership with Simmer Down Arts to showcase artists from Birmingham and their contribution to reggae worldwide.
Harriet Tubman - celebrating the 200th anniversary of Harriet Tubman by showcasing the complex operation of slave codes & 'songs', helpers or 'conductors' and abolisionist white supporters that formed the underground railroad that freed thousand of slaves.
The virtual trail consists of up to 14 mini art pieces that are made up of photography, window art and street art with an emphasis on portraiture and typography. This project raises the profile of the Black Art movement, showcasing black creatives and reimagining their works.
There is also a 'double entendre', playing on the word ‘Underground’, which is linked to urban youth culture. Each artwork has a secret image (logo) of representing legendary underground street artist Jean Michel Basquiat.
We have also captured the journey behind the scenes and produced a mini documentary which reveals untold stories, a wealth of assets and their connection to Commonwealth homelands.
The project concludes with a ground breaking 'Performing History Tour' showcasing an innovative way to present data research and our history
