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A new photographic exhibition ‘East Meets West’ has opened at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and will be on display until 27 June 2020.

The exhibition features 10 winning images from the photography competition launched in 2019 by China West Midlands 2020 and Birmingham Museums Trust and showcases people, places and objects in the region which bring together Chinese and Western influences.

The winning image above by Merlin Daleman titled ‘Final Touches Before the Show’ captures the Chinese Jitterbug Squad, an all-female dance troupe, preparing to perform for The Queen on a visit to Birmingham in 2012. The performers can be seen putting the final touches to their make-up ahead of the performance which took place as part of the royal visit for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee tour.

Two runners up were recognised as highly commended. British born Hong Kong Chinese photographer Allan O’Neill’s image ‘Frank Soo’ is a constructed photograph reimagining the life of Frank Soo, who was the only British Chinese footballer to have ever to represented England at football. Keloi Hoang’s photograph ‘The Lion and the Sentinels’ focuses on a traditional Chinese stone lion statue nestled between the post-war twin tower blocks known as The Sentinels on Holloway Head in Birmingham city centre.

The framed images are available to purchase from the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter with half of the proceeds from each sale going towards supporting Birmingham Museums Trust, an educational charity which cares for Birmingham’s unique collection and heritage. The rest of the proceeds will be split between the photographer and WuWei CIC Ltd, which is a subsidiary of the Chinese Community Centre – Birmingham, a charity that provides community services such as healthy living, elderly services, carers support and a range of sports and cultural activities.

Dr Yeow Poon, Chair of the CWM 2020 Planning Team and Chair of the Chinese Community Centre-Birmingham, said:

It is our hope that the East Meets West photography exhibition contributes to the creative diversity of Birmingham and encourages further explorations on how bringing together ideas from East and West can enrich our lives.  East Meets West is the first of several events throughout 2020 in music, dance, drama, visual arts, sports and business seminars.

Alex Nicholson-Evans, Commercial Director at Birmingham Museums Trust, said:

We’re delighted to be showcasing these photographs at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and kickstarting the China 2020 West Midlands celebrations. Visit the free display to see a new perspective on our city and its influences.

For more information see www.chinawestmidlands.com.

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