City Curator Highlights: Week Two
23 May 2024
100 Days of Creativity: City Curator Highlights
Are you ready for week 2 of 100 days of creativity? It’s half-term so I’ve included a couple of the family friendly options for the week ahead but once again there really is something for everyone.
Let’s get into it, here’s what I’ve got my eye on from 27 May – 2 June:
AI FUTURES: The art of AI
The Exchange
28 May 2024
I find AI fascinating, exciting and terrifying in fairly equal measures. It felt fitting to me to ask ChatGPT to write the content for this particular highlight, so here goes nothing:
One event I’m particularly excited about this week is a unique workshop that combines creativity with the latest in artificial intelligence technology. Children have the chance to dive into a world where art meets AI at a one-of-a-kind workshop featuring ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is an innovative online tool that uses artificial intelligence to generate content and ideas. In this engaging workshop, children can use ChatGPT to spark their imagination and come up with ideas for their artwork based on their personal interests. They’ll then bring these ideas to life, crafting their own masterpieces with a variety of materials and techniques. Best of all, they get to take their creations home, making it a memorable and personal experience.
So there you have it – no need to book tickets, it’s free and you can just drop in. More info here: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/the-exchange/ai-futures/the-art-of-ai
Marvellous Materials Family Show
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Every weekday during half term
I have a particular soft spot for Thinktank having worked as Commercial Director for Birmingham Museums Trust for many years. Children never fail to be delighted by these shows which are packed full of impressive demonstrations. Expect stunning chemical reactions and an engaging experience that feels more like a magic show than a science class. Whilst you’re at Thinktank, don’t miss the Planetarium – I could have spent hours in that place – it’s actually the only 4K planetarium system in the West Midlands!
More here: https://visitbirmingham.com/event/marvellous-materials-family-show/159930101/
Best of Ballet with CBSO
Symphony Hall
31 May 2024
Pitched as showcasing some of the ‘most beautiful music ever written’. This event certainly caught my eye when I was curating the 100 Days programme. The concert (important to note that this is a concert and not a dance performance) is presented by a former Principal Dancer of the Royal Ballet and will showcase music from The Firebird, Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker amongst other ballets. What a lovely way to end the week.
Tickets start at £26: https://cbso.co.uk/events/best-of-ballet.
Come From Away
Birmingham Hippodrome
On until 1 June
How could I not feature the winner of four Olivier Awards? This West End smash hit has just landed in Birmingham and has received noteworthy five star reviews from local press already.
The musical shares the real-life story of 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invites these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.
The What’s On review piqued my interest in this show:
One of the most powerful pieces of theatre I’ve seen, Come From Away boasts a gripping and easy-to-follow storyline and some really great music. Emotional and inspiring, it will lift your heart and restore your faith in humanity.
Tickets here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/come-from-away
Alex Nicholson-Evans
23 May 2024
