West Midlands Trains enters partnership with the Birmingham Big Art Project

We’re delighted to announce that West Midlands Trains is the latest Midlands based firm to become an official partner of the Birmingham Big Art Project.

The operator of West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway has kindly committed to providing rail travel for our artist, Susan Phillipsz, as well as a number of other Birmingham Big Art Project representatives and volunteers throughout 2018.

The Big Art Project is developing at a time of change for Birmingham, with work being carried out in and around the centre. We hope that this artwork will become emblematic of a new Birmingham, a symbol of civic pride and an impressive new city landmark in the current Eastside City Park near Millennium Point. With this in mind, partnering with another local firm goes hand-in-hand with the values at the heart of Susan’s design and the approach of this project.

Commenting on the new partnership Francis Thomas, Head of Corporate Affairs for West Midlands Trains, said “West Midlands Trains is committed to getting closer to the communities we serve. The Big Art Project is an exciting and ambitious initiative that will create a new iconic landmark for the region that everyone can enjoy. ”

West Midlands Trains’ sponsorship includes providing rail travel for the artists working on the project. The company’s trains go as far north as Liverpool and as far south as London Euston, with transport to Stratford-upon-Avon, Lichfield, Shrewsbury and Hereford.

Glyn Pitchford, Chairman of The Birmingham Big Art Project, said, “I’m delighted that West Midlands Trains have put their backing behind the Birmingham Big Art Project by agreeing to become our Official Travel Partner 2018. The travel concessions will be utilised by the team behind our public art project and will be particularly helpful to Susan Philipsz the winning artist who lives in Berlin and who we expect to meet from time to time in both London and Birmingham. She expects to use this comfortable service regularly.”

We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead focusing on fundraising and liaising with the business community, for which West Midlands Trains sponsorship will be integral.