‘Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame’ outdoor exhibition extended in new location

• City centre celebration of Birmingham-born poet, author, activist and actor.
• Outdoor photography exhibition extended for a month until 1 September 2024, now located in Snow Hill Square.

A special exhibition celebrating the life of Birmingham poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah has been extended due to popular demand and relocated to Snow Hill Square.

The outdoor exhibition called ‘Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame’ is now live in Snow Hill Square until 1 September 2024.

Created with the support and acknowledgment of the Zephaniah family, the exhibition features 30 specially curated artworks displayed in cabinets, as part of the 100 Days of Creativity programme. 

Zephaniah was recognised as champion of the people and his death on December 7, 2023, aged 65, drew tributes from across the world. 

Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame has been developed and funded by Colmore Business District (BID), the Business Improvement District for the commercial district, and co-curated by Pogus Caesar and art historian Ruth Millington. 

The Family of Benjamin Zephaniah said: “It is fantastic that the (Brighter Flame) exhibition is going to be extended to September. Its relocation to Snow Hill Square is a fitting tribute to the work he did in Birmingham and all over the Midlands.

 We hope it’s extension and the new temporary location will encourage and inspire people to learn more about the amazing work he did across many different platforms “

Commenting on the exhibition’s impact, Ruth Millington said: “I have been really moved by responses to this exhibition, with audiences travelling from across the UK to view it. I’m delighted it will be extended, allowing even more people to enjoy the photographs, poems and film stills which pay tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah in his home city”.

Pogus Caesar added: “Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame has truly been an overwhelming success, the public response undoubtedly shows Benjamin’s reach extends far beyond all expectations!”

Melanie Williams, Board Director at Colmore BID and Chair of Outstanding Places Working Group said: “It’s been truly amazing to see the public response to the outdoor exhibition, so it’s with great pleasure that we are able to extend this across the summer. Now located at Snow Hill Square, we hope this special exhibition continues to inspire local people as they visit and work in our city.”

Benjamin Zephaniah – The Brighter Flame: Snow Hill Square, Birmingham. 

Exhibition partners: Colmore BID, Central BID, OOM Gallery Archive, DACS/Artimage, Windrush Productions, The Family of Benjamin Zephaniah, Birmingham Museums Trust, University of Birmingham’s The Exchange and Castle Fine Art.  

For more information, please visit https://colmorebusinessdistrict.com/events/benjamin-zephaniah-exhibition/.