On Saturday the 13th October 2007 the Deaf Cultural Centre in Birmingham officially opened with almost 800 people turning out to join in the launch.
The Deaf Cultural Centre is the first of its kind in the UK, and will provide a setting for Deaf culture, arts and community events. Additionally the Deaf Cultural Centre will offer British Sign Language lessons and Deaf Awareness training courses.
To mark the occasion a Community Clock, with tiles designed by younger members of the Community was unveiled. The clock had been created by community members in collaboration with ‘Flying Potter’ John Williams. Inspiration for the art work came from individual’s personal experiences of Deaf culture and Deaf community. The clock will be on permanent display in the Deaf Cultural Centre reception area.
Mike Reynolds, Chair of the Board of Trustees for BID, commented “We are exceptionally proud to be able to display this beautiful clock and I hope that the families involved will be regular visitors to the Deaf Cultural Centre for many years to come.”
Visitors to the Centre were welcomed by a stilt walker as well as deaf dancers, artists and performers from across the UK. Arts and dance workshops, performances of Street Dance, Salsa and Latin entertained guests during the day and later in the evening Deaf Rave performed for the crowds.
Phil Ward, Deaf Cultural Centre Manager said “It was a real delight to see so many members of the Deaf community here to celebrate the Deaf Cultural Centre opening, and we look forward to seeing them again soon!”
Future events will be publicised through various means including the websites www.deafculturalcentre.com and www.bid.org.uk.
For further information about BID, the Deaf Cultural Centre, including pictures of the day, please contact Ian Skelton on 0121 246 6100 / 07980 886631, or email ian.skelton@bid.org.uk. For booking information please call Jennifer on 0121 246 6100, or visit www.deafculturalcentre.com.
About BID and the Deaf Cultural Centre
The purpose built Deaf Cultural Centre is the first of its kind in the UK and only the second in the world, and will serve the Deaf Community across the whole of the Midlands and the UK. The new Deaf Cultural Centre will also host the range of services that BID offers to the Deaf community.
BID works to support the Deaf community in the West Midlands. It has travelled a long way from its modest beginnings in the latter part of the 19th Century, when its prime function was "to provide relief to Deaf people and attend to their spiritual needs".
BID has developed a reputation for providing innovative, high quality services to meet the many and varied needs of Deaf people. Today BID provides Care Management, Deaf Awareness, Support & Advice, Interpreting Services, Youth Work, and Equipment Sales amongst a growing portfolio of services.
Successful partnership and funding arrangements have been developed with colleges, housing associations, trusts, businesses and other organisations, which has helped BID to become more effective in pursuing its aims and objectives.
But still BID depends to a large extent upon private and voluntary donations to continue its work. Whether it's providing toys and videos for young Deaf children, or supporting Deaf people through interpreting, we still need help – contact the Fundraising Department on 0121 246 6100 for information on how you can help.