The Project
Ikon and Birmingham-born artist Gillian Wearing are on a quest to find a 'real' Birmingham family.
Thank you Birmingham Families! Over 330 families have nominated themselves as potential models for Gillian Wearing’s A Real Birmingham Family, a life-size bronze statue to be set within Centenary Square, near the new Library of Birmingham, from 2013.
As of 1 April 2012, new nominations are no longer being accepted; however, families who nominated themselves before 1 April are still encouraged to update their profiles with more detail about themselves and their relationship to the city. All information is helpful, and remember, we are not looking for a ‘perfect’ family; we are looking for a ‘real’ one. All families—nuclear, foster, single-parent, same-sex, blended—even groups of friends and single individuals have been encouraged to nominate themselves.
Ikon started the project at the Pallasades Shopping Centre in April 2011, and toured the project to many different locations within the city over the next year. A diverse panel of community, faith and family leaders will meet in early summer to select a shortlist of families. The final family will be chosen during National Family Week, beginning 25 August 2012.
Support the project
You can also support A Real Birmingham Family through an innovative new fundraising project called Angel Shares
A Real Birmingham Family is supported by Birmingham City Council
Gillian Wearing. Family Monument (2007). Bronze sculpture.