Sixty artists successfully completed GALLERY 37 2018 residency and were eligible to pitch ideas for a place on the G37 commissioning programme. Programme participants receive an investment of up to 80% of production costs, plus support and mentoring from industry professionals at Punch Studios, the GAP and the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Punch CEO Ammo Talwar MBE said, “The list of Gallery 37 commissionees is like a roll-call of Birmingham’s creative future. Our alumni include Dee Ajayi, Jay L’Booth, Pharoah Draws and Timeless Kings. All have established themselves in the industry and are enhancing the reputation of Birmingham as the home of authentic and diverse creative talent.”

Kerry Andrews, Head of Producing & Artistic Development, added: “Birmingham Hippodrome is delighted to partner with Punch Records on the 2019 Gallery 37 commissions. As a co-commissioner of the scheme we are delighted to invest and support in regional talent at a critical point in their careers. As panellists we were impressed with the wide range of proposals and art forms that people are working in.

“Supporting regional talent is important to us and this programme extends our continued interest in opening our doors and looking at ways to engage a wide range of regional talent. Gallery 37 sees us partner with Punch Records to nurture and support our artists of the future. We look forward to seeing how their careers develop. This scheme compliments the work that we are already presenting in the City from the B-Side Hip Hop Festival to Fresh Fridays, young companies and supporting new commissions.”