SOLIHULL BID chief executive Melanie Palmer has been presented with an ‘inspiring women in 2020’ award by a Midlands arts and culture organisation.
Ms Palmer has been recognised by ShruthiUK for her work promoting a diverse range of arts and culture events in the town centre.
As Solihull BID chief executive, Ms Palmer takes strategic lead for the Business Improvement District and its ten-strong team.
It includes building relationships with key stakeholders such as the borough council, West Midlands Police, Touchwood, Mell Square and the Core Theatre.
ShruthiUK develops Indian culture, serving children and young adults in the Midlands with training in South Indian classical dance and music.
Ms Palmer received the award at the annual Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival (BTF) at the Core Theatre, which celebrates the life of Thyagaraja, the famous South Indian saint and composer, through a showcase of Indian classical music and dance.
The BTF 2020 is supported by the Consul General of India in Birmingham and the West Midlands Combined Authority, in partnership with Touchwood Solihull, Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Asian Chambers of Commerce and Solihull BID.
Every year the BTF recognises outstanding women who have made a positive impact and contribution to society.
The awards were handed out by The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Stuart Davis. The event was attended by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and Tony Elvin, General Manager of Touchwood and members of the festival committee.
Describing her pride in receiving the award, Ms Palmer said: “I am thrilled to receive the award. Solihull BID is proud to be able to promote events such as the Thyagaraja Festival. Celebrating arts and culture from across the globe, our ethos is one of connecting our businesses and the community together developing a diverse tapestry of people, talent and vision.”
Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan FRSA, founder and artistic director, ShruthiUK, said: “The patron and the governing members of ShruthiUK would like to express their heartiest congratulations to all the inspiring women who were honoured this year.
“Festivals such as the BTF strengthen the cultural collaboration between the UK and India, defining India’s culture and its national identity and help to sustain the Indian culture and heritage in the Midlands.
