City Curator Highlights: Week One

100 Days of Creativity: City Curator Highlights

Throughout the 100 Days of Creativity, I’ll be sharing my own personal highlights of this fantastic program – things I’ve been to that I’ve enjoyed, but also upcoming events that I’m particularly excited about.

It’s such a huge program – there really is something for everyone – so I hope this will be useful for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in some creative activities over the summer, but perhaps doesn’t have the time to go through each of the hundreds of fabulous events we have. up!

So in this blog I look at the first week of 100 days of creativity; May 19 – May 26. I admit, I thought it would be easier to pick a few moments, but I could easily write about so many events, activities and experiences that will take place in the coming week. But without further ado, here are my four picks for the coming days:

Flatpack Film Festival

It takes place all over the city

May 19, 2024

A staple in Birmingham’s creative calendar, the first day of 100 Days of Creativity is the last day of Flatpack Film Festival 2024, so make sure you make the most of it. You can check the schedule for Sunday here.

Once again Ian and the team have put together a fantastic range of screenings, many of which incorporate some sort of live performance – something I really enjoy. On Sunday, Movie Mahal is doing just that – you can experience a world premiere, a selection of classic film clips and live performance by The Te3nagers.

Tickets are on sale here.

In: Site

It takes place in the Cathedral Square

May 21 – May 24

Head to Cathedral Square and you’ll find 14 recent graduate artists creating new works of art. Brought to you by Craftspace, In:Site is completely free to experience and you can just go – so even if you only have a lunch break next week, you can still find a way to experiment and express yourself creativity.

Come anytime between 11am and 4.30pm to see what’s on, meet the artists or even take part in the workshops.

More here.

Nashville Sounds in the Round

Symphony Hall

May 20, 2024

Today I came to chat with the team at B:Music to find out more about their partnership with Abbey Road Studios and after spending a few hours learning about their plans and enjoying their photography exhibition, here’s what I’d recommend …

Go to B: Eat and do 2 things:

• Order a Brummie Bacon Cake (it’s a thing)
• Take a look at the photography exhibition in the cafe, featuring the winning and shortlisted images from the 2023 Abbey Road Music Photography Awards. It’s until June 14th.

Now if you can, check out Nashville Sounds in the Round, just £15 a ticket. Or check out the “Live at B:Eats” series for free lunchtime music! Full range here.

National treasures / Jesse Jones

Icon

Open Wed – sun throughout the 100 days of creativity

Last week I went to Ikon for the launch of the next season and I was very impressed with this exhibition. Ikon is a partner in National Treasures, which sees masterpieces from the National Gallery collection on display across the UK.

Ikon presents a masterpiece by Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-1654 or later), Self-Portrait as Saint Catherine of Alexandria (circa 1615-17). I absolutely adored the way this artwork was presented, an incredible, striking and dramatic display. Equally striking is the response of contemporary artist Jesse Jones, who brings film and performance into the gallery space. A must see this summer.

More here.

Alex Nicholson-Evans

City curator

May 17, 2024