Project to save lives whilst bringing music and road safety together receives further national recognition.
The innovative partnership between Birmingham based DBS Law and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra bringing together music and road safety has been nationally recognised, thanks to the announcement that it has been shortlisted for this year’s Arts & Business Awards in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover.
The award, which highlights the best examples of how arts organisations and businesses can come together to transform communities, has recognised the Clock On To Safety project that has, according to Rob Bhol, chief executive of DBS Law, “in just two years educated almost 4000 primary school children on road safety, potentially saving thousands of lives. It’s something that we’re incredibly proud of and brings together a stark message whilst being entertaining and of the highest possible standard.”
DBS Law became a CBSO Sponsor in 2011. A year later, the partnership led to a concert-based learning opportunity which would support the company’s existing road safety initiative with the Smarter Choices Team at Birmingham City Council that had already engaged with thousands of children. The success of that campaign let to a desire to get the message out to even more children. The DBS’s relationship with the CBSO provided a new opportunity to work together on a project that had the potential to do just this.
As a result, the CBSO was commissioned to create an interactive concert designed for Key Stage 2 school children in Birmingham at CBSO Centre. The bespoke production created by Catherine Arlidge, Nikki Smedley and Vicky Arlidge showcased original songs and performances by musicians of the CBSO and featured a special visit from Mr Clock. The first sold-out performances were such a success that further concerts were held in 2014; more than 3,600 children from 66 schools have now enjoyed live music from one of the world’s most renowned orchestras whilst learning about road safety in a fun and interactive manner.
Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council attended this year’s concerts and said that this project, “sets a great example to other private sector organisations of how taking a more socially responsible view of their community can benefit them and the city.”
DS Bal, DBS Law chairman added: “In a switched on always connected world it was refreshing to connect to what really matters, doing something worthwhile for the communities in which we live and work.”
Stephen Maddock, CBSO chief executive said: “This project has been an unprecedented success thanks to the vision and support of DBS Law and the creative input from members of the CBSO. This award is the second national award given as a result of this innovative project. Catherine Arlidge one of the creators of the concert, was presented with the RPS/ABO Salomon Prize for outstanding achievement among orchestral musicians earlier in the year, so we are very proud.”
The awards ceremony will take place in London on 21st May.