Birmingham is running with the bulls
The art installation featuring 40 colourful sculptures aims to raise money for a local hospice charity
THERE are bulls 'roaming' loose in Birmingham, with members of the public asked to keep an eye out for these colourful beasts.
Fortunately, there's no danger, say the city authorities. They're not even real animals, just an art installation set up in the name of charity.
Birmingham Hospice has worked with Wild in Art – a global producer of art trails – to put together Bulls in the City, which runs until 14 September.
The hospice cares for people in the community, whether that's in people’s own homes or at its two sites in Selly Park and Erdington.
The trail features a 'stampede' of 40 large fibreglass sculptures, each based on the Bullring bull. After spending the summer, leading the public along the trail, these bullish figures will be auctioned off in October.
Each of the colourful sculptures was designed and painted by artists who submitted designs way back in October 2024. Designs feature floral masterpieces to murals celebrating the city and its history, as well as bulls transformed to look like dragons and tigers. There's even a mini version of New Street’s Ozzy the Bull.
“Bulls in the City has been an enormous opportunity for us as a local charity to shout about our work and the importance of hospice care across the communities of Birmingham and surrounding areas,” said Paul Bytheway, chief executive at Birmingham Hospice.
“This art trail is a huge accomplishment for Birmingham Hospice as it’s the first time we’ve organised an event of this level and I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to achieve, especially in our local community.”
Along with the large art trail installations, Bulls in the City also features 88 mini bull sculptures designed and adopted by local schools and groups as part of the trail’s Learning and Community Programme, sponsored by Rolls-Royce.
Bytheway added: “Being able to engage more schools and groups, educating them on the work we do as part of our Learning and Community Programme has had such a positive impact on the community.
“This year, we estimate it could cost £19 million to run Birmingham Hospice. We are not fully funded by the NHS, and we heavily rely on voluntary income such as fundraising activity, income from our shops and donations to continue funding our services.
“So when you’re out on the trail this summer, consider donating to Birmingham Hospice, buying some merchandise or purchasing a trail map for a suggested donation – even the smallest amount can make a big impact.”
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Ozzy the Bull in New Street Station, and Laurence Broderick’s bronze sculpture outside the Bullring, have become popular city landmarks and have helped establish the ‘Brummie Bull’ as a symbol of the Birmingham’s strength and spirit.
“Bulls in the City brings a welcome tribute to this legacy while raising awareness of a valued charity.
“These sculptures will help to boost trade in the city centre and champion the work of local artists, while shining a well-deserved spotlight on the tremendous work and dedication of staff at Birmingham Hospice.”
MC