West Midlands mayor backs city-wide art trail

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has been announced as the headline sponsor for the Bulls in the City art trail, coming to Birmingham summer 2025.

Birmingham Hospice has partnered with Wild in Art, a global producer of art trails, to create a new, showstopping trail for Birmingham in the summer of 2025 called Bulls in the City.

Based on the infamous Bullring bull, the trail will see a stampede of 40 fibreglass, larger-than-life bull sculptures descend on the city between July and September next year, which will then be auctioned off to raise vital funds for the hospice.

The trail will generate a huge buzz throughout Birmingham, supporting local businesses as well as Birmingham Hospice, the city’s primary provider of adult hospice care.

WMCA, which consists of 18 local councils, led by the Mayor of the West Midlands, is the perfect headline sponsor for this exciting new trail. The combined authority aims to make the West Midlands a better place to live through improving transport, culture, economy, and more, aligning with the trail’s goals to bring footfall to Birmingham.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker said: “Everyone recognises Ozzy the Bull in New Street Station, and Laurence Broderick’s much-loved bronze sculpture outside the Bullring as true Midlands’ landmarks.

“They have helped etch the iconic Brummie Bull into the minds of people far and wide as a symbol of the strength and spirit of this city.

“That’s why I’m backing this new herd every step of the way. They will boost high street businesses and champion local artists, all while recognising the brilliant work and dedication of staff at Birmingham Hospice.”

Rebecca Richards, Bulls in the City project lead, said: “It’s fantastic to have West Midlands Combined Authority as our headline sponsor, and have such an iconic and innovative organisation onboard.

“As our presenting partner, they will be directly contributing to the growth of the local economy and a huge wave of tourism that is expected during the trail – benefitting the city and its people.”

Other iconic Brummy businesses and organisations have signed up to sponsor a sculpture, including Selfridges, Brindley Place and Paradise, DLA Piper, MHA and Salts Healthcare, as well as local BIDS including Harborne and Central.

Find out more on the website.