City Curator Highlights: Week Ten
22 July 2024
100 Days of Creativity: City Curator Highlights
City Curator Highlights: Week 10
Before I get into my recommendations for week 10 I’m thrilled to share the results of The Open – a new art competition from Colmore BID and Central BID.
- Overall Winner: “Nature’s Embrace” 2023 by Ava Khera
- Highly Commended: “Rotunders” 2024 by David Collier
- People’s Choice Winner: “Stained Glass Gater” 2022 by Misha Leigh Raybone
With the exhibition proving popular locally, it has also now been extended and will remain in Snow Hill Square until 1 August.
I was privileged to be a judge for The Open and I sincerely hope the success of this first year will lead to this being an annual competition.
Now, onto my four recommendation for 22 – 28 July:
In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
On for the rest of 100 Days Of Creativity
This was a fantastic way to spend an hour. In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats is an interactive VR adventure that transports audiences back to the West Midlands in 1989, during the early days of the Acid House movement and I cannot recommend it enough.
The team will help you into your VR headset, headphones and a vibrating vest that helps really bring the experience to life, before the journey begins and you step into the shoes of West Midlands rave culture pioneers as you go in search of the party.
I actually don’t want to say much more, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I visited and I think that made it all the more exciting and interesting. Just trust me, give it a go and definitely get the premium ticket.
I left wishing I’d been born earlier and had the chance to experience this movement in reality. That’s how good it is. What a vibe.
Book here.
Garden Theatre – ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
26 July
I’ve got so many happy memories of sunny evenings spent watching outdoor theatre and outdoor cinema. I’m praying this splash of good weather stays for longer than a week and 26 July is the perfect warm evening for a picnic and some Oscar Wilde.
The Importance of Being Earnest is actually the first in a series of these outdoor performances. In August you can also enjoy As You Like It and the programme continues beyond the 100 Days.
Read all about it & get tickets here
Birmingham Fest
Theatres across the city
On until 28 July
Another new discovery for me, thanks to this campaign! Birmingham Fest is an eclectic programme of work being presented at The Blue Orange Theatre, The Crescent Theatre, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, and Birmingham Black Box Theatre.
Described by organisers as providing a “fringe” element to the city’s theatre scene. The programme is packed full of new work and a wide variety of artists and companies.
Take a look at the programme here, and with tickets starting from less than £10 – why not experience something new next week?
The Creative Works
Coffin Works
On for the rest of 100 Days Of Creativity
The Coffin Works is a fantastic place. If you’ve never booked a tour – rectify that now and find out all about Birmingham’s last coffin-furniture manufactory at this award-winning museum.
I remember when the Coffin Works first opened, it doesn’t feel that long ago, but it turns out they are turning 10 this year – time flies!
To celebrate they are building an online community exhibition and they want your help! Whether you are a creative by trade or simply have a passion for making, everyone (all ages and abilities) is invited to make history and contribute to the project. Read all about it here: https://www.coffinworks.org/event/the-creative-works/.
Alex Nicholson-Evans
19 July 2024
