Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery reopening speech
Tuesday 22nd October 2024
As far as I am aware BMAG hadn’t closed since the second world war (which my daughter asked as im old, if I was there).
We really hope this is the last time we fully close for 100yrs Since opening in 1885 (and no I wasn’t around for that kid)
Over 100 million people have visited the museums we care for and a chunk of that was people visiting here at BMAG.
Museums were never just vessels for staring at art. They are places for people. People to feel something. People just being people in all their glory. Where you may take your first steps, Where you take your first date, a place to see wonder, a place to discover something old and something new… a place for a wee and free wifi.
We proudly have famous art, stuffed animals, vehicles of every type, old maps and even hats.
People who just like to wander the world in a gallery we got you.
You are amongst the first 500 people to breath life back into us.
We are most concerned with those who don’t have a voice.
We are attempting something that has never been done before. Both inside the organisation and with the public.
We need to work much harder for the public.
We need to be relatable and democratic and not be shy of continuous improvement
You are our heroes. the tiny sparks that are breathing life back into the museums lungs.
We need you.
The city needs you.
A hero can be anyone.
Heroes leave 5 star google reviews – I want 100 reviews by tomorrow!
If the museum could talk I think it would say:
Electrical wiring forced our closure but still i rise
Covid comes and knocks me down but still i rise
Global conflict and a cost of living crisis but still i rise
Section 114 declared our city bust but hey guess what, still i rise
AUDIENCE participation: After 3 shout “Still I rise”
As Mike Skinner [Birmingham born] from the streets said “ Let’s push things forward shall we?