Thousands of arts and culture lovers logged on to enjoy last week’s Midsummer Festival. The free one-day festival celebrated West Midlands arts and culture and featured over 12 hours of performances, from 33 companies around the region, including 13 never-before-seen works.
Inspired by annual Midsummer celebrations across the world, the festival was the first collaboration of its kind for the region. Participating organisations included the Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet, IKON Gallery, Ex Cathedra, Birmingham Opera Company and Keneish Dance.
Organised by the West Midlands Culture Response Unit, it drew audiences from across the globe with people viewing from over 50 countries including the USA, Brazil, Australia and Barbados.
Although a free event, audience members were asked to donate, if they could, to the Freedom Fund for Black Artists in the West Midlands. Over £650 worth of donations were made on the day which will be used to respond to Black Artists’ individual self-identified immediate needs. This fund is in collaboration with MAIA, an artist-led cultural organisation; providing a platform for creative practice, critical thinking and social change, who will use their expertise to manage and distribute the funds.
