Gather: Loud & Proud

It was totally by chance that this Gather falls during the first ‘West Midlands Creativity Week’ – and so it’s only fitting that we celebrate, and hear from, some of the unique talents our region has nurtured. This awesome foursome are also linked by more than just location – they are all know for their fierce pride in place, and for their bold use of language. In both sector and subject they’re about as diverse as can be, but we think you’ll agree they showcase some of the very best of what our region has to offer. We can’t wait for you all to hear their stories, loud & proud.

Trevor Beattie is probably the biggest industry name to come out of Brum since Baskerville – a proud Balsall Heath boy, educated at Moseley Art School & Wolverhampton University – who went on to become one of the leading advertising figures in Britain. He is a founding partner, chairman and creative director of Beattie McGuinness Bungay (BMB), and was formerly the chairman and creative director of TBWA London. Oh, and he’s just been to space!

Jodi Ann Bickley is an acclaimed author, spoken word artist, and the founder of the globally recognised project One Million Lovely Letters. Known for her heartfelt and compassionate approach, Jodi began her mission during a particularly tricky time in her life, finding solace in writing letters to strangers who needed words of encouragement, love, and hope. Her initiative, which started as a simple act of kindness, has grown into a worldwide movement, with Jodi sending thousands of handwritten letters to people across the globe.

Casey Bailey is an award winning writer, performer and educator, born and raised in Nechells, Birmingham, UK. Casey was the Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020 – 2022. In 2023 ‘Legacy’ – an in depth exploration of 20 years of the Birmingham Grime and Hip Hop scene – co-authored with Jess Monroe was published. Casey’s debut play GrimeBoy had a sold out run at the Birmingham Rep in April, 2022, the same year he won a Royal Television Society award for a film for his poem “Dear Brum”. Oh, and he’s also an Assistant Headteacher!

Zoë Darlington is best known as the energetic and unapologetic force of nature behind local staple ‘Punks & Chancers’, which she founded after a career making and restoring beautiful lamps. Punks & Chancers mantra is simple – Nice to look at it, nice to wear, nice to the planet – produced using organic cotton, ethically traded, made in factories that don’t mess with the workers rights. They’re screen printed in Birmingham using waterbased vegan inks that don’t mess with the environment. Outspoken, optimistic and occasionally outrageous, Zoë is a proud Brummie.

So there you have it, from legendary advertising and naming to poetry and screenplays, from personal letters to wearable public slogans – there’s going to be strong language, bold statements, and maybe even a call to action or two… word. If the talks weren’t enough to entice you along, there’ll also be some delicious street food from Esmie’s and DDC, and the Birmingham Design Shop will be on site supplying all your creative needs – so grab your ticket(s) and prep your ears!