Prime Minister discusses Birmingham’s role in economic recovery.
Aston arts centre The Drum today played host to Prime Minister David Cameron. Touring the venue with CEO Charles Small and taking in the ‘Birmingham Strong’ photography exhibition, the Prime Minister met local artists and musicians, members of The Drum team, and members of Birmingham’s African-Caribbean business and cultural community.
Accompanied by Minister for Faith and Communities Baroness Warsi, the Prime Minister has been visiting the West Midlands to highlight the vital role of social diversity in supporting economic recovery. The Drum has already received political attention this month, having visited the Houses of Parliament on 22nd October as part of ‘Birmingham Day’ to showcase the city’s creativity.
As a central force in Birmingham’s diverse cultural landscape, this year’s Black History Month theme of ‘social mobility and aspiration’ has resonated as strongly as ever with The Drum’s ambitions for showcasing and celebrating the city’s Afro-Caribbean community. The venue was proud to host BHM Launch Event ‘I Have a Dream’ on 27th September, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic speech.
The Prime Minister attended a roundtable discussion with key members of Birmingham’s African-Caribbean business, education, faith and cultural communities, including Joe Aldred, Rev. Robin Thompson, Heather Sinclair-Constance and Beverly Lindsey. He also took time to chat with several local artists including percussionist and renowned table player Mohinder Singh, lyricist and musician Naomi ‘Sic’nis’ Cunningham, and actress Tisha Whyke, a member of The Drum’s Young Gifted Brum Arts Programme.
“We are very proud to have welcomed Prime Minister David Cameron for this unique visit, providing an opportunity to engage with the African-Caribbean business, faith and cultural communities, and discuss their ideas and issues,” said Charles Small, CEO of The Drum. “We are proud of our role as a central force in Birmingham’s diverse creative community, and to bring members of those communities together at such an event has been a great privilege.”
2014 will mark The Drum’s twentieth anniversary as the UK’s premier black-led arts centre, an occasion to be marked with a year-long programme of special events, and the launch of our Raising the Roof campaign to raise £4.8 million to renovate and reinvigorate the building and its services.
