Local artists commissioned to mark Millennium Point anniversary

Start-ups will create sculpture for 15th birthday.

Eastside’s Millennium Point has commissioned Digbeth start-up business and creative skills studio, Space play, to create a 3D framed sculpture in celebration of the building’s 15th anniversary later this year.

Founded by architectural/urban designers, Jay Rajpra and Adam Carthy, Space play is a young architecture and design studio marrying modern laser technology and craft to create stunning three-dimensional artwork in materials such as concrete, wood and metal.

Space play is best known for its Brutal Brum series – a collection of sculptures honouring the city’s neglected brutalist architecture including Birmingham Central Library, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and the New Street Signal Box.

The artists will work closely with Millennium Point over the summer to create a sculpture that will epitomise the history and changes of the building over the last 15 years.

The piece will explore Millennium Point’s pivotal role in the development of Eastside, as well as celebrate the building’s diverse tenants and partners.

Over the coming weeks, Space play will carry out an architectural study at Millennium Point including a survey of activities within the building before design work begins.

Displayed on Millennium Point’s Atrium Wall, the final piece will be unveiled on Friday 7th October and will tie in with Digbeth First Friday when the streets of Digbeth come alive with culture, exhibitions and special events.

Alongside the artwork, there will be a month-long exhibition of existing work from Space play on show in Millennium Point’s Atrium from Tuesday 4th October to Thursday 3rd November 2016.

Neil Anderson, director of marketing, communications and events at Millennium Point, said: “Millennium Point has seen many changes over the last 15 years and the building has become somewhat of a catalyst for the many developments currently taking shape in Eastside. To mark this exciting time, we wanted to commission a piece of artwork that would become a lasting legacy and it’s great to have collaborated with homegrown talent on this project.”

Jay Rajpra, co-founder of Space play, added: “We are delighted to be working with Millennium Point to help celebrate their 15th anniversary. We are looking forward to showcasing the influence this project has had and continues to provide on the regeneration of Eastside architecturally, as well as the positive social and cultural programme for residents and visitors of Birmingham.”

For more information about Millennium Point, please visit: www.millenniumpoint.org.uk