Birmingham Airport Programme Supports Local Jobseekers into Employment
Birmingham Airport is hosting a sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) to support local residents into work. The Launch Group, run in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, provides employability training for up to 20 jobseekers in Birmingham and Solihull a month.
The airport’s signature ‘sky blue’ features on the palette displayed in Touchwood Shopping Centre in recognition of the significant economic contribution and history of the nearby international transport hub in the region.
Unveiled this week, the project aims to celebrate Solihull through a series of colour swatches showcasing the borough’s rich history, influential people and beautiful places.
Jointly funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Touchwood, The Solihull Colour Palette on Cloister Walk boasts 32 different colour references.
Local people, members of the business community, historians and archivists were invited to help shape the development of The Solihull Colour Palette by suggesting the people, places, objects, and things they associate with the borough. Birmingham-based artist, Stacey Barnfield, then turned these suggestions into the final artwork.
Other colours include Shirley Poppy Red which represents the metal poppies on display in the centre of the roundabout on Stratford Road; Moors Yellow for the popular Solihull Moors FC and Chelmsley Bluebell to remember the deep violet-blue of Chelmsley Wood’s bluebell woods that were once so popular with day trippers.
Councillor Wazma Qais, Cabinet Member for Communities at Solihull Council, said: “The Solihull Colour Palette is a vibrant visual representation of why Solihull is so unique. It’s wonderful how the different colours not only represent the beautiful places in our borough but also the special moments in history and the influential people that helped to make our borough what it is today.
“It’s a fantastic snapshot which tells the story of our borough for both residents and visitors alike. I encourage people to take a look the next time they are in the town centre.”
Jo Roberts, Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing of BHX commented: "We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised as a key element of Solihull’s cultural landscape. From Elmdon to Birmingham International Airport, BHX has played such an important role in the history of our borough and many residents will undoubtedly have fond memories of the airport as colleagues or passengers.
This new palette will certainly help foster pride of place within the borough, and we commend all partners involved for producing a wonderful tribute to our region.”
Artist, Stacey Barnfield added: “I love seeing the colour palettes popping up across the country, especially those that feature suggestions from local people in each of the areas in which they appear. It is this local interest and pride in places that makes the designs so much more special.
“As a former Solihull College of Technology student, nothing makes me prouder than seeing The Solihull Colour Palette at Touchwood. I hope it might provide a little bit of inspiration for the next generation of art and design students in the borough to create new artworks and typographic designs.”
There are plans to develop the palette to create colourful wayfinding and maps, new artworks inspired by the swatches and more. This will be a great way to engage and encourage a new generation of Solihull artists and designers.
See The Solihull Colour Palette on display at Cloister Walk, Touchwood. For more information on all the colour references go to the Visit Solihull website.