Hear podcasts of previous Salons on the Salon Blog
Wednesday 22 September, 2010. Drinks reception from 6.45pm for a 7.30pm start
The Studio, Cannon St, Birmingham B2 5EP.
Why is Birmingham investing in a new central library? Will it meet genuine needs or is it simply landmark architecture for the city and very little to do with library services?
Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council, when unveiling the £193 million design by Dutch architects Mecanoo Architecten said "this is further evidence of our intention to attract world-class architects to work with the city". The councils website then spends another 9 paragraphs talking about the building and its open-air space, an elevated garden with
spectacular views over the city.
Should we celebrate a new world-class building in Birmingham? What about the current central library and those that still consider it's Brutalist architecture to be world-class? Why is all the talk of beautiful vistas and no one has mentioned books? Have old buildings full of dusty books that no one reads had their day? Will the Library of Birmingham
be a large coffee shop and performance space and is that a good thing?
Read more »
Birmingham Salon was formed by a group of individuals living in Birmingham who believe that our city needs more channels for intellectual debate and learning in informal settings. And from conversations we've been having across the city, it would appear that many people from a wide range of backgrounds agree with us. There is a largely unmet demand in Birmingham for challenging debate, led by expert speakers and involving anyone who is interested.
We will be meeting regularly from January 2010 in the city centre to discuss debate-worthy issues of the day. Sponsored by the University of Birmingham, we offer a much-needed space to exchange ideas and opinions and to learn about a whole range of subjects. We are planning initial meetings around such subjects as racism, education and parenting. The aim though, is to create a dynamic open group where people feel free to propose subjects themselves, and maybe even lead those debates. Birmingham Salon is a fully participative group, not a series of pre-programmed lectures in which people sit passively and listen.
So if you feel that there is a debate-shaped hole in your life, and you live in or around Birmingham, then come along.
