How Match My Project is helping create collaborative and creative spaces for local communities
Fierce Festival is a festival of theatre, performance and experiences which takes place in and around Birmingham every two years.
This year, Fierce matched with Birmingham City University on Match My Project.
From this collaboration, the perfect home for a specially commissioned participatory artwork was found.
Softly/Tenderly is a participatory artwork by Sheila Ghelani exploring the complicated history of gun-making and the metalworking practice within Birmingham but, as the name suggests, does so with care.
Through Match My Project, Birmingham City University and their partner, STEAMhouse, provided technical support to manage the health and safety of the event, as well as the physical space and hospitality support for the artwork to take place.
Small groups, big conversations
Hosted in small groups, those who experienced the work played a part in the manufacturing of a small precious metal object that they were allowed to keep.
Participants made their own broaches and were gifted a specially made book by the artist about the history of gun making, the idea being for them to read this in the comfort of their own space.
The artist explains the symbolic significance of these objects as follows:
“A gift or totem to take away, acting (perhaps) as a gentle reminder of some of the better things industrious hands can get up to – many people making together being a nod towards some of Birmingham’s more celebrated workshop industries, such as jewellery and toys.”
A print illuminating Birmingham’s role in its lesser talked about trade accompanied the work, allowing participants to engage with the heavier aspects of history.
The shows sold out across the Fierce Festival week, reaching around 100 audiences.
Bridging Communities Through Creative Collaboration
This work is important because it created a space for people to engage with history in a gentler, more nuanced way—transforming potentially difficult narratives into shared, creative experiences. It shows that, when we approach the past and present with care, curiosity, and creativity, we can forge pathways to a more inclusive and compassionate future.
In an increasingly politically polarised world, we at Match My Project are proud to play a part in bringing communities together. This match demonstrates how collaborative approaches can bridge divides and create meaningful connections.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- For Community Organisations: If you’re running a project that supports community cohesion and well-being, sign up at matchmyproject.org. Your initiative could be the next to receive crucial support and resources.
- For Businesses: Your contribution can transform lives. Register at matchmyproject.org to discover local projects that align with your values and see how you can make a tangible impact in your community.
