OPUS appointed Cultural Programme Producers for Birmingham's official European Athletics Fan Zone: Champions Square
Whether you're a die-hard athletics fan or simply looking for a great day out during the summer holidays, Champions Square will offer something for everyone. Visitors can soak up the atmosphere at Centenary Square while Europe's biggest athletics stars compete live on the big screen, whilst enjoying an exciting programme of live music, dance, circus, street theatre and interactive activities across the day.
Building on the hugely successful Festival Sites during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and the legacy Birmingham Festival 23, Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS) has been appointed to curate the four-day Cultural Programme in Champions Square.
The programme, funded by Birmingham City Council's Together on Culture Magnets and Moonshots programme, is seeking high-energy outdoor performances. From live music and dance, to roaming performances and workshops, successful applicants will help create an unforgettable atmosphere that showcases Birmingham's outstanding cultural talent alongside one of Europe's premier sporting events.
To help bring Champions Square to life, an Open Call was launched inviting artists, creatives and cultural organisations to be part of this unique celebration.
Successful applicants will perform as part of Birmingham's official European Athletics Fan Zone, with opportunities for thousands of visitors to experience their work throughout the Championships.
Four days of live sport, entertainment and culture will take place in the heart of the city this summer.
This August, the energy of Alexander Stadium will extend into the city centre, as the European Athletics Championships will stage a Fan Zone at Centenary Square, which will become ’Champions Square’ from 13-16 August.
More Information
“Birmingham showed the world during the Commonwealth Games that culture doesn't sit alongside sport - it helps define the experience. It creates moments of joy, surprise and connection that people remember long after the competition has finished. We're excited to build on that legacy by creating another programme that belongs to the city and shines a light on Birmingham's incredible creative community”
Caroline Davis
OPUS Managing Director and Event Director
The Creative
We have invited artists, creatives, performers and cultural organisations to be part of a live programme that celebrates Birmingham's rich cultural life and creative talent.
We want to platform as many community groups as possible to showcase the breadth of talent across the region. Charities, CIC's, informal performance groups, professional artists and companies were all encouraged to apply.
More than anything, we are looking for activity that reflects the diversity, energy and creativity of Birmingham, creating a lively, inclusive and welcoming experience for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Activity
An activity could be a dance performance, a DJ set, a roaming / walkabout performance, a participatory workshop that gets people moving, or another engaging creative experience suitable for an outdoor public space.
Importantly, the activity must align with the values of the Championships: excellence, inclusion, participation, sustainability. Your activity should also respond to the following themes in some way: Lively and celebratory (priority); Movement, sport and the human body; Youth, participation, and future generations.
Image Credits
India Island, performing at Birmingham 2022 Victoria Square Festival Site 2022, photographed by Rebecca Limm
SoFunk, performing at Birmingham Festival 23, 2023, photographed by Verity Milligan
Eloquent Dance, performing at Birmingham Festival 23, 2023, photographed by Rebecca Limm
Czech and Slovak Club CIC, performing at Birmingham Festival 23, 2023, photographed by Verity Milligan