The latest news, updates and events in Birmingham
Birmingham raised artist Michael Clarke has opened his first ever public exhibition which explores British colonialism and his African heritage. The Dambala art exhibition – free and open to all – is currently running at Digbeth Art Space in Gibb Street, within the Zellig building complex.
A new outdoor exhibition has opened in Birmingham’s Chamberlain Square to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence with works that explore the dark history of colonialism and oppression. ‘Lost Memory Eternalised’ showcases artworks and writing by artist Mustafa Zaman that explore the “body, trauma, history, and politics” in Bangladesh.
A number of LGBTQ+ groups across the city have called on Birmingham Pride to ban cultural appropriation, following an I Am Birmingham article highlighting the issue was published last month. In light of several Native American headdresses being worn as ‘costumes’ at Birmingham Pride celebrations, representatives from queer groups of colour have condemned the practice.
Why is it that in 2018, with constant talk in the media about racism and interracial relations, do we STILL have people that don’t understand that cultural appropriation is wrong? In this case, revellers swaggering along Hurst Street during Birmingham Pride in the cultural attire. I mean, come on, seriously?