Tuesday 15 May 2012

The Birmingham Tolkien Strategy (4) The Strategy for 2012 Onwards


The following objectives are retained, developed from the original strategy or are newly adopted in the light of the current position. By these means, the Birmingham Tolkien Strategy will be taken forward in the coming years.

Objective 1: Raise the recognition of Tolkien’s connections with Birmingham and the influence on his work of the city, its people and environs. Make this tangible within the City and more widely known nationally and internationally. The means of achievement are: (i) Develop a promotional programme using printed and on-line publications, media output and broadcasts to inform and attract visitors. (ii) Develop an integrated and easily accessible website covering all Birmingham related Tolkien information and provide extensive links. (iii) Provide improved visitor facilities and Tolkien related displays at Sarehole Mill. At an appropriate time develop a business case for a Tolkien Visitor Centre at Sarehole.

Objective 2: Preserve the landscapes, locations and buildings in Birmingham with links to Tolkien and his writings and secure them for the future. The means of achievement are: (i) Ensure that the condition of key buildings, sites and landscapes related to Tolkien is monitored and maintained and that they receive adequate investment. (ii) Ensure that Tolkien related buildings in Birmingham are easily identified.

Objective 3: Develop educational programmes including literacy, creative writing and drama based on Tolkien's work and the natural environment, people and buildings that influenced him. The means of achievement are: (i) Deliver educational programmes at Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog and at other locations in The Shire Country Park and Tolkien related areas.

Objective 4: Engage community groups, individuals and organisations interested in Birmingham's Tolkien heritage and help them to work together. The means of achievement are: (i) Arrange meetings to develop new ideas and respond to issues and opportunities. (ii) Organise 'large group' strategy meetings covering relevant organisations and individuals. (iii) Promote the work of groups including the Birmingham Tolkien Group, the Tolkien Strategy Group, the Tolkien Society, The Shire Country Park Friends and Shire Productions. (iv) Support staff in the Library and the Museums Trust in producing Tolkien related materials and activities.

Objective 5: As part of an overall high quality programme, develop, support and connect with Tolkien related events and activities in Birmingham and more widely. The means of achievement are: (i) Ensure security of provision for the annual Middle-earth Weekend or successor events. (ii) Continue to conduct and develop the existing tours, walks and visits. (iii) Encourage special events related to Tolkien as opportunities arise. (iv) Produce a high quality visitors’ guide to Tolkien’s Birmingham. (v) Develop links with other towns and cities with Tolkien connections and promote these to visitors, in a reciprocal fashion, along with other museums and centres.

Objective 6: Enhance and conserve The Shire Country Park and Sarehole Mill and work with other bodies to conserve Tolkien related sites in the City and encourage public artwork. The means of achievement are: (i) Support capital bid/s for Sarehole Mill, the Mill Pool and its surrounds and assist volunteer-led projects that enhance the environment of the Mill and pool. (ii) Improve the signage, fencing, interpretation, accessibility and contiguous walkways in The Shire Country Park. (iii) Extend The Shire Country Park by including The Ackers and ‘green oases’ throughout its length as satellite units. (iv) Support the use of Perrott’s Folly as a base for community purposes ideally with a small Tolkien Visitor Centre complementary to Sarehole. (v) Continue approaching Severn Trent to conserve the Waterworks Tower and explore options for opening the site to visitors. (vi) Give in-principle support for the Ent Statue and other Tolkien related exterior artworks. (vii) Extend the area covered by the Moseley Bog improvements to include the Dell and adjacent land and provide connections between them.

Objective 7: Maximise funding opportunities for sustainable Tolkien related developments, contribute to the recognition of his legacy and enhance the positive image of Birmingham. The means of achievement are: (i) Develop and refine a funding strategy for this programme. (ii) Develop enhanced, longer term, Tolkien awareness in key organisations, individuals and the wider population, and produce an appropriate marketing plan. (iii) Ensure that the Tolkien Strategy for Birmingham, its activities and future continuations integrate with the Heritage and other Council strategies (iv) Through the above and by other means work for the benefit of Birmingham and its people.

The achievement of these objectives will be monitored and aided by the Tolkien Strategy Group and the Birmingham Tolkien Group in conjunction with Birmingham City Council and the Museums Trust.

No comments: