BPA pledges #WMgeneration support with graffiti mural
Birmingham Publicity Association Call for Creative Action for Channel 4 move
A striking graffiti mural commissioned by the Birmingham Publicity Association has appeared in the city this week to show united support for the Channel 4 #WMgeneration campaign.
The artwork, which was completed by graffiti artist Panda today (Tuesday 23rd January) was designed by the BPA as a show of support the West Midlands creative agencies have in encouraging the broadcaster to move to the area.
BPA chair Caroline Chell said they had called on creative agencies and big businesses in and around the West Midlands to continue their support for the campaign, which has recently gathered momentum as the deadline draws closer.
The graffiti art, which is in Digbeth’s Custard Factory, was a public demonstration of this support and the creative talent in the area.
The BPA, which aims to unite those working within creative industries while supporting local charities, has thrown its support behind the #wmgeneration campaign to help unite the many voices in and around the West Midlands who believe this region should be chosen - to amplify the already popular movement.
Caroline added they were lobbying creative talent to join in the call for the television giant to move to the Midlands - and already has big names within the industry offering support.
She said: “Momentum is most certainly growing in the West Midlands to encourage Channel 4 to seriously consider the region as their next central hub - and we have plenty of support from big and small hitters across the city wanting to help.
“Birmingham is the second city and is just alive with creativity, you can see from the immense community of businesses and how we work together that this is something that can happen. We are proud to be here and know we can offer more, than other cities in and around the country,” she added.
The move of Channel 4 to the West Midlands already has the backing of West Midlands Mayor Andy Street along with Peaky Blinders founder Steven Knight who has roots in Birmingham; along with many other high profile names within the city.
However Caroline added the BPA were keen to get more names on the list and for the momentum to keep going with the #wmgeneration campaign.
“We can’t let this one slip and it’s something we are working hard to keep going. Along with the wall art, we now have a page on our website so people can find out more, and keep this at the front of the Government's agenda,” she said.
Many creative agencies across the region, including Superdream near Bromsgrove, WAA Chosen in Sutton Coldfield and McCann Central in Solihull, have pledged their support, highlighting the incredible talent, transport links and lower cost of living in the West Midlands.
Andrew Riley, managing director of Riley Raven said: “The city has been transformed over the last decade but it still hasn’t unleashed its full potential. Channel 4 relocated to Birmingham would help, support and drive this potential.”
Tim Andrews, co-founder of LoveBRUM, and Chair of Hollywood Monster added: “Birmingham’s heritage is one of industry and revolution. It was at the forefront of many game changing innovations, and still today is leading the World using its young, multicultural and dynamic citizens in our cultural, creative and industrial organisations. Birmingham is a city on the move. Opportunities are rife and it’s people are coming together with pride and belief that our city is the best city in the World.”
Also showing their support for the campaign was leader's from Harvey Nichols and The Mailbox in Birmingham, with many other retailers being invited to sign up.
Richard Vickery, general manager of Harvey Nichols Birmingham said: “Retail in particular has seen a huge explosion over recent years. From our showpiece Harvey Nichols store and the refurbished Mailbox mall to Grand Central and the iconic Bullring, the city now has the confidence to attract and maintain the biggest brands and meet the modern customer's needs.
“This diversity rivals any retail offer in the UK – with more than a thousand shops from high street to high end, and a host of great independent in between – showing continued confidence in Birmingham and its future,” he added.
The BPA said they would continue to create conversations and influence the campaign, and continue to ramp up the campaign over the coming weeks.
#WMgeneration