Here is the first of 3 reports on the digbeth regeneration from investigative artist Ruth Robinson
Report #1
Industrial belts like Digbeth that were once the guts of our nation, now lie in states of limbo as Government and private developers grapple with the complexities of regenerating spaces and local identities.
Investment should not disregard existing ways and means of living and would be advised to support rather than engulf active communities. Realistic planning benefits from grass-roots intervention as the professional consultation process remains disconnected from communities and isolates individuals.
Walking, talking and standing still are important to the outcome of my work and in the influence we have on the fabric of our communities – finding commonality and sharing experience reliant on our contact. Today’s pace of life often leads us to forget the power of a smile or spoken word.
Development of up-market residential zones and the expansion of all considered ‘Creative’ and ‘Cultural’ threaten the growth of independent economies outside these sectors- loud and lively elements discouraged in favour of appropriated art. Digbeth High Street seemingly split down the middle into a ‘Creative side of the street’ and a potential residential zone. The suppression of popular entertainment and activities will only extinguish the vibrancy that already exists.
As an artist I should be rubbing my hands together. Instead I am concerned that yet again the activities of an existing working community will be disregarded in favour of preferred bourgeois lifestyle options. The research and outreach in Digbeth will focus on the workers of the area. Responding to current debate and the predominant issues surrounding the invention of a place called Eastside. (RHR April 2008)
I agree – the same thing happened in temple bar in Dublin. The artists and musicians made it hip and then the developers drove them out by hikinjg the rent so its now basically a moribund tourist fleecing facility centered around a binging culture. We already have one of these in broad street – cant we try something different in Digbeth.
I would also like to see the cultural association with Birmingham Irish people defended and maintained. At the moment the so called influence of the Irish Quarter development is in the hands of the same sort of people that ran the Irish Centre into the ground. It is the 2nd generation children of Irish immigrants that should have the big say in what happens in the IQ as there is no large scale immigration from Ireland anymore.
i think it’s a difficult one. when i see photos like that i feel the area could do with some re-generation, but at what cost? are local residents consulted? i imagine not. when i think of Digbeth i think of great late night pubs that you can go have a drink at or catch a band, but this is already changing due to poor consultation with residents, ie, Spotted Dog. i think that if individuals move into a vibrant area they should accept it for what it is. isn’t that the whole point of living in a city? otherwise pack up and move out into the burbs and go have your 2.2 kids!
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It seems to me that there is a great divide in the council’s understanding of Birmingham’s culture and the people’s.
I’ve been involved with music events for around 12 years in the city, and a keen and very wide interest in it’s nightlife and creative sectors, and I have always got the impression that the things that are promoted by the council (which are most likely to be the ones picked up by people outside of brum)are always stuff that only appeals to a certain demograph of people, and is the not stuff that i feel makes our city great.
By this i refer to Broad street (and it’s walk of fame?), the shopping centres, and the focus on local fete’s, museums, and exhibitions, some of which are excellent, but ultimately not culturally grabbing if you just landed.
I have also found some great vibrant stuff that is backed by the council too, such as our fabulous cbso at the fine symphony hall, or the always innovative bham opera company (is that promoted through their channels too?), and i’ve attended a fair few gigs at the larger venues in brum like the N.I.A and the town hall.
Its just for the most part, these type of things tend to attract certain demographs of the population, and most of the culture that i have experienced in and from this city, which to me makes me very proud to live here, is largely found in different venues and from the local promoters who seemingly are never mentioned by council and city run promotion…
Why?
Is it that they dont like or agree with it, or that they dont know or understand it?
If i was to visit from another city or country, and was greeted with the stuff i could find in the tourist office, then i would miss all the stuff that makes Birmingham a great place to live in.
Then maybe its like that in all cities. You find someone, they show you a place, you meet other people there, you find more places, etc.
And is this a necessary thing anyway? Does a city need to have that divide between it’s “underground” scene to it’s publicised council backed events in order for the underground and creative scene to flourish?
I may be veering off the point a little here, but it seems that if Birmingham is wanting to promote and develop itself as the culturally rich and creatively diverse city it is, then working with it’s existing people, businesses (and creatives) in a supportive and not obstructive way, (and taking a few risks with that if need be), would be a much more positive way forward and could potentially produce much better results than pursuing and building this slick shopping centre/ expensive apartment style vision of the city centre, which seems to have proven itself time and time again to not effectively represent it’s people or diversity, and more importantly has great potential to drive away exactly what makes this city great.