The Galliard Apsley Partnership Contributes to Birmingham AIDS and HIV Memorial Fund

Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital have donated £40,000 to kick-start corporate support for Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial (BAHM)’s campaign to erect a sculpture in Southside.

Set to be unveiled in Winter this year, the six-metre-high sculpture will be permanently positioned in the new Hippodrome Square.

Garry Jones, founder of BAHM, set up the project after tuning into Channel 4’s hit show ‘It’s a Sin’. It had such a profound effect and transported him back to when he was a young man at the age of 21 in 1981, the arrival of the AIDS pandemic. Garry realised that there was no dedicatory in Birmingham to remember those loved and lost and started the conversation with co-founders Phil Oldershaw and Andrew King.

Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital are delivering more than 2,000 new homes in Birmingham and have recently completed their Timber Yard development – comprising 379 apartments – in the Gay Village.

Jason Day, Galliard Homes’ Head of Sales West Midlands, said: “We have received tremendous support from the LGBTQ+ community during the construction of Timber Yard and our donation reflects our solidarity with this group and their contribution to the vibrancy of the Southside district.”

Gerard Nock, chairman of Apsley House Capital, added: “It is fitting that a piece of art dedicated to the gay community will be a permanent feature in Southside and the Galliard Apsley Partnership is delighted to help make this happen.”

The sculpture will serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to educate and help end both stigma and discrimination.

Co-founder of BAHM, Phil Oldershaw, commented: “We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of Galliard Homes and Apsley House Capital: their donation of £40,000 is a massive stepping stone towards our overall target of £218,000. The Timber Yard is a fantastic addition to the residential offering within Southside, their support to the LGBTQ+ community and everything that is the BAHMemorial is so touching –  thank you!”

The memorial received planning permission in September 2021. It is designed by artist and BAHM co-founder Garry Jones and will be fabricated by local known talented sculptor Luke Perry. It will be made of weathering steel, with heart-shaped red ribbons representing two figures entwined, as if embracing and supporting each other.

Garry Jones said: “The ribbons represent the dual entities of HIV and AIDS: the past and the future and symbolises remembrance of those lost to AIDS, whilst simultaneously celebrating those who are now able to live healthier lifestyles with HIV today. The sculpture will also serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to educate, ending stigma and discrimination.”

To get involved further, or for pledges of £1000 or more, please email hello@bahm.co.uk or visit the website at: www.bahm.co.uk to get updates, leave a message and/or donate.