In 2017 BCMG was one of 16 arts organisations that took part in the Birmingham pilot of the national Cultural Citizens programme. The Birmingham pilot was led by Kids in Museums and was modelled on previous Takeover projects. Other pilots took place in Barking and Dagenham, Liverpool and Blackpool.

Nationally the programme aimed to introduce 11-14 year olds from disadvantaged backgrounds to arts and culture near where they lived, and build their confidence to continue their engagement. 

BCMG's Takeover project involved the 20 young people from Hodge Hill School, Birmingham, building their skills and knowledge to enable them to help run the front of house for BCMG's family concert in May 2017.

As part of BCMG's Takeover project the young people:

• Attended a BCMG family concert at CBSO Centre in March 2017 as audience
• Attended a concert of the Paraorchestra at Symphony Hall
• Developed skills to document the project supported by film maker Jonathan Lee
• Took part in a creative workshop exploring the Silbury Air by the composer Harrison Birtwistle

At BCMG's family concert in May 2017 they worked in teams to:

• Help design the pre-concert activities exploring Silbury Air
• Lead the pre-concert activities with children and their families
• Evaluate the concert
• Document the concert
• Help with front of house duties 

All pupils achieved Arts Award Bronze.

For more information about this project please contact [email protected]