Thirteen is a lucky number for Birmingham as G37 youth arts commissioning scheme returns to the city.

Thirteen Birmingham-based artists are set for a career boost after they received coveted places on the 2019 gallery 37 commissioning programme. Each y0ung performer, artist or filmmaker saw off stiff competition to win industry backing to create and debut their first professional piece of work.

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, the GAP and the BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME.

PUNCH CEO AMMO TALWAR MBE; “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, TANNY TIZZLE, TARIK ROSS-CAMERON 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.”

THE GALLERY 37 2019 COMMISSIONS include new works in a variety of media, including film, spoken word, music, visual arts and dance. Artists are due to premiere their finished pieces at the BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME and THE GAP gallery in Q3 and Q4 2019.