BrumYODO and Birmingham Hippodrome to host open-air artwork

In Memoriam

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Director of Festivals Graham Callister said:

“We have worked hard over the last 12 months to offer meaningful, covid-safe cultural experiences to Birmingham to continue to enrich the cultural life of the region. We are so pleased to be presenting another stunning installation from Luke Jerram and to partner with BrumYODO to offer a moment of calm and reflection on the Coronavirus pandemic. We would also like to thank Birmingham City Council Parks Service and Public Art Group for their support with this special installation.”

In Memoriam is also the focus of this year’s A Matter of Life and Death Festival, an annual arts and culture event aiming to encourage conversation about death and dying created by community interest company BrumYODO and this year is working in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome. The festival will also include a programme of online events and an invitation to people across Birmingham and beyond to take part remotely by creating a personalised In Memoriam flag.

Festival Producer and BrumYODO Director Antonia Beck says:

“Each year BrumYODO presents  responsive and meaningful creative experiences in Birmingham as a way to support people to have conversations about death. This May we are delighted to be hosting Luke’s thought-provoking In Memoriam in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome and Birmingham City Council.

“In Memoriam is a peaceful and reflective installation, and we hope it will support people to mark this extraordinary time and commemorate those who have died from the pandemic.”

BrumYODO, a CIC devoted to creating opportunities for discussion around end of life, has launched a free flag-making template via its website with accompanying resources to support people to start conversations around death and dying. People will be invited to upload images of their completed flags to BrumYODO’s website.

Antonia added:

“We recognise that not everyone will be able to travel to Aston to experience In Memoriam in person, and so we are also encouraging people to get involved remotely by making their own In Memoriam flags and installations at home and by  taking part in our online events.  We’d love as many people as possible to join in so please visit our website brumyodo.org.uk and follow our social media for details.”

Luke Jerram is a multidisciplinary artist whose previous works include the three-dimensional planet Gaia and Museum of the Moon, a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition which formed part of Birmingham Hippodrome’s Summer in Southside festival in 2019.

Luke said: “It’s great to be bringing In Memoriam to Birmingham for the first time and I hope the installation is of value to people who have been affected by the pandemic.

“Not many people have been able to grieve properly, with loved ones unable to visit their relatives in hospitals, funerals cancelled and places of worship and community closed. So there’s a massive need for an artwork that can help us grieve for those we’ve lost.”

In Memoriam has been designed specifically to be presented in large open spaces to comply with social distancing. With the expanse of space around the flags and a strong air flow, the artwork can safely be visited with people able to walk, stand or sit in its midst.

BrumYODO and Birmingham Hippodrome have been working with Birmingham City Council to ensure a site which is both accessible and safe for people to visit. The grounds of Aston Park are free to visit and there is parking available.

In Memoriam in Birmingham is kindly supported by Arts Council England, Without Walls, Birmingham City Council, Aston Hall and A Natural Undertaking.

In Memoriam by Luke Jerram was originally commissioned by the Weston Arts + Health Weekender. Supported by Without Walls and FESTIVAL.ORG. Informed by the Wellcome Trust-funded ‘Weather Lives’ project, led by Dr Cassie Phoenix at Durham University.

–ENDS-

Additional Information:

About Luke Jerram:

Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Living in Bristol but working internationally, Jerram has created a number of extraordinary art projects over the last 25 years which have excited and inspired people around the globe. He is now known for his innovative arts practice and large scale public artworks, such as Museum of the Moon which has been experienced by more than 10 million people, has recently toured India with the British Council, been presented at the Commonwealth Games in Australia and exhibited in Aarhus, Denmark for the European Capital of Culture. www.lukejerram.com

About BrumYODO:

BrumYODO is a Birmingham-based community interest company comprising artists, undertakers, palliative care professionals, hospices, solicitors and celebrants. BrumYODO believes talking openly about death helps us prepare for dying and loss. BrumYODO delivers life-enhancing events and work in partnership with others to design and create safe spaces for conversation. BrumYODO holds its festival A Matter of Life and Death each May but also has an events programme throughout the year. 

About Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Hippodrome is an independent charity on a mission to enrich the cultural lives of the region. Since opening its doors in 1899, it has been proud to play an important civic role in the city, and firmly aligns itself to Birmingham and the wider regions evolving ambitions. Drawing no regular income from any public grant givers, Birmingham Hippodrome funds its wide-ranging and varied programme of theatre, dance, festivals, education and community activities through ticket sales, events and fundraising. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the venue closed on March 16, 2020 and is currently closed for live performance.  To learn more visit birminghamhippodrome.com