From 12 - 18 October 2012, a host of Birmingham’s best known personalities, including Midlands Today presenters Joanne Malin and Nick Owen, The Apprentice star Nick Holzherr and Lasan celebrity chef Aktar Islam, will be taking to a podium in the centre of the museum, to tell their tales of their experiences in the city.

They will also be joined by several other Birmingham natives throughout the week, each of whom have each been awarded the chance to share their extraordinary stories, experiences and links to the history of the city with visitors to the museum. Each human exhibit has been invited to bring an interesting object with them that represents their life in the city.

The Birmingham Exhibitionists include:

• Georgina Moseley – Mum of courageous Harry Moseley, who touched hearts and changed the lives of millions by launching ‘Help Harry Help Others’ whilst battling an inoperable brain tumour
   
• Kris’ina Jagpal – The current Miss Birmingham who represented Birmingham in the Miss England 2012 finals and has been crowned one of the most inspirational women of England. She is very proud of her Birmingham background and the city’s multi-cultural heritage
   
• King Of Ink Land King Body Art The Extreme Ink – One of the most tattooed people in Birmingham and in UK politics, the King Of Ink Land King Body Art The Extreme Ink embraces surgical art and is passionate about trying to get a fair deal on body modification,  anti discrimination and pro-equality when it comes to employment

• Nick Owen – Well-loved Midlands Today presenter

• Nick Holzherr – Apprentice star and winner of Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year 2011 (Entrepreneurship)

• Joanne Malin – Local broadcaster who has been gracing our TVs and radio stations for over 10 years, presenting on Central TV, BBC WM and Midlands Today
   
• Aktar Islam – One of the most talented chefs in the UK and winner of BBC 2’s Great British Menu in Spring 2011, Aktar’s TV appearances include Market Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay’s F Word on Channel 4, where he steered Lasan to victory as Chef Ramsay’s Best Local Restaurant in 2009
   
• Barbara Johnson - Chair of the Birmingham Air Raid Remembrance Association, who will be recalling her experiences of Birmingham during the second world war
   
• David Ault  - The Face of Science for Birmingham’s new library and organiser of The Big Bang for the East and West Midlands
   
• Bryan and Kevin Manley-Green – Eurovision fanatics who will be telling their tale of watching Eurovision Live in Birmingham back in 1998

• John Duckers – Former business editor of The Birmingham Post and freelance media, who has spent over 20 years keeping Birmingham informed of the latest news
   
• Darryl Thomas – Darryl is a local artist, who specialises in fine-art portrait photography and regularly displays his work across the region

Ann Sumner, Director of Birmingham Museums, comments: “Birmingham is such a fantastic place, full of great people, which is why we wanted to celebrate the launch of ‘Birmingham: its people, its history’ by encouraging people from across the city to come and tell their compelling stories about their life to our visitors. What’s more, visitors will also be invited to quiz our ‘podium presenters’ on their experiences and ask questions about why they love the city.

“We’ve got some brilliant speakers lined up, who have truly enthralling accounts to tell, so we encourage everyone to come along and see what it’s all about.”

‘Birmingham: its people, its history’ opens to the public Friday 12 October 2012. The exciting new spaces give visitors the opportunity to discover the broad history of Birmingham from its origins with Peter de Birmingham, and the pivotal role it has played in creating and shaping our modern world. From Medieval metalwork and 18^th century decorative arts through to Victorian costume and objects from the two world wars, these new galleries give visitors access to hundreds of artefacts, many of which have never been on public display before.

‘Birmingham: its people, its history’ opens following extensive renovation of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Much of the Grade II* listed building has been restored, uncovering some of the original features of this beautiful building.

More than 1000+ objects will be on display, in addition to two spectacular original art commissions; a topographical painting of Birmingham by local artist, James O’Hanlon and a stunning light installation by international artist, Keiko Mukaide and Ronnie Watt. The light installation was commissioned by the Friends of Birmingham Museums in recognition of their 80th anniversary and the opening of the History Gallery.

Entry to the exhibition is free.

For more information including a full timetable and exhibitionist profiles visit The Birmingham Exhibitionists.