File:Here and Now bench at Handsworth Park (53666807971).jpg

English: Another visit to Handsworth Park, to see the Handsworth Park Arts Trail.

Here and Now>/a> was commissioned for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and was by the artist Tim Tolkien, was installed by 2023.

A fairground waltzer car was the inspiration behind the bench. An interactive piece of art work for all to enjoy.

The artwork was commissioned to mark the hosting of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. Handsworth Creative wanted something that was bright and visual; reflected the joy and pleasure people have in the park; was truly interactive; and would inspire and delight children of all ages.

A fairground waltzer car was the inspiration behind the bench, which is made from galvanised steel and highly durable, bright plastic wood-effect slats. The bench has a playful and welcoming feel, large enough for family groups and friends to sit and admire the view of the recently restored lake.

The bench is surrounded by stylised two-dimensional figures that were created following interactive workshops with children from Welford Primary School and the local community. The figures illustrate the links to Commonwealth countries many local communities have.

The faces were cast from clay models of local artists who work with Handsworth Creative: Eleanor, Hunt, Jan, Ola, Pauline and Surjit, along with four people well known in Handsworth: Father Bob Stephen, Kash ‘the Flash’ Gill, Lee Southall, and Xhosa Cole. The ‘peep holes’ enable you to be part of this group and share their enjoyment of being part of the Handsworth community.

The bench is on the other side of the small lake / pond.