Community

A central highlight will be an anti-racism concert in the final phase of the project. This flagship event will bring together local artists, public figures, emergency services, and community leaders to celebrate diversity and deliver a powerful public stand against racism. Alongside this, we will run a dedicated social media information campaign to raise awareness, educate audiences, and promote anti-racism practices, positioning Centrala as a champion for anti-racism in the region.

This work is particularly vital in light of the public disorder that occurred between July and August 2024. During this period, migrant and refugee communities, already vulnerable, faced heightened fear, racial discrimination, and a sense of exclusion. Our project responds directly to these events by creating safe spaces for healing, trust-building, and solidarity between different communities.

We will engage with communities most affected by the unrest, especially migrants and refugees, using our existing networks and partnerships to ensure strong participation. Centrala’s established reputation as a trusted safe space for diverse communities in Birmingham will play a crucial role in outreach and engagement. We will work closely with grassroots organisations, use social media, and share updates through sector-specific newsletters to promote participation.

We will also involve local leaders, public service representatives, and policymakers, including councillors and MPs, across the events to promote dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. These exchanges will help identify shared challenges, develop joint initiatives, and lay the groundwork for long-term community cohesion and institutional change.

Throughout the project, we will gather feedback and data through participant surveys, interviews, and case studies. This insight will shape our final project report, highlighting community experiences, changes in attitudes, and recommendations for future work.