News

18.01.19

Worcester among five areas to receive millions of pounds of funding to invest in culture

Five locations across England to receive a share of £20 million to invest in local culture, heritage and creative industries and help drive economic growth, Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright announced today.

News

03.01.19

ITV launches new on-screen identity project

From 1 January 2019, ITV’s idents will change every week. For each week of the year, a different artist will create a piece of work, which is their expression of the ITV logo. The project has started with an ident by artist, photographer and filmmaker Ravi Deepres.

News

02.01.19

Vacancy: Coordinator, New Art West Midands

We are currently recruiting a Coordinator. This part-time, fixed term position will support the Director in coordinating the New Art West Midlands contemporary visual arts network. Deadline: Wednesday 23 January 2019.

News

02.01.19

New Year’s Honours list 2019: artists including Barbara Walker and Sonia Boyce receive honours

Birmingham-based Barbara Walker receives an MBE for services to British art while Sonia Boyce is made an OBE. Plus honours for artists Tacita Dean, Yinka Shonibare, Gillian Wearing and Alison Wilding, and Kettle’s Yard gallery director Andrew Nairne – via a-n.

News

20.12.18

New Art West Midlands secure ACE funding

We are delighted to announce that we have been successful in our application to Arts Council England, securing a Project Grant and enabling New Art West Midlands to deliver an 18-month programme of activity.

News

22.10.18

Birmingham arts organisations braced for further 30% cut

Birmingham City Council’s advice to organisations to prepare for the potential cut comes less than a year after promising to hold funding steady until 2020 – via Arts Professional.

News

15.10.18

The Art of Coventry II

Supported by New Art West Midlands, Coventry Artspace has been running the Art of Coventry programme throughout 2018 to develop and support artists and curators across the West Midlands. The last events of the season are taking place over the next few weeks and have been designed specifically to respond to the interests and preoccupations described by participants at Artspace’s regular networking and drop-in sessions.

News

12.10.18

Yinka Shonibare to create new work for Hereford Cathedral

Meadow Arts is working in partnership with Hereford Cathedral to commission a new artwork by Yinka Shonibare MBE (RA), inspired by the Mappa Mundi. Creatures of the Mappa Mundi is one of four projects to win funding from Hidden Gems, part of the Herefordshire’s a Great Place scheme.

News

03.10.18

Wolverhampton to host British Art Show 9

Wolverhampton has been selected as one of four cities to be part of the biggest touring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK. British Art Show 9 will exhibit at Wolverhampton Art Gallery and University of Wolverhampton School of Art between February and May 2021.

Engine Travel

01.10.18

Selina Oakes reports from Manifesta 12 in Palermo: Can You Cultivate a Cultural Coexistence?

Earlier in the year Selina Oakes visited Manifesta 12 in Palermo, Sicily with an Engine Micro Bursary. She reports on her trip and the effects of the roving Biennial on the city.

News

26.09.18

British photography pays tribute to Pete James

British photography pays tribute to curator and researcher Pete James who passed away earlier this year. The inaugural Pete James lecture will form the opening event of the National Photography Symposium in November.

News

25.09.18

Picture of Birmingham front room to adorn UK embassies

Details were announced on Monday of a £500,000 scheme commissioning 10 artists over 10 years to create limited edition prints for diplomatic buildings. The first commission is the Birmingham-born painter Hurvin Anderson – via The Guardian.

News

24.09.18

Turner prize 2018 review – no painting or sculpture, but the best lineup for years

Adrian Searle reviews the 2018 Turner Prize – via The Guardian.

News

24.09.18

The Face of Suffrage

From November to December a new large scale art installation to celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage will be in Birmingham New Street Station. People from across the West Midlands and beyond are invited to submit photographs of the women in their lives to become part of the piece.

20.09.18

ESP & Axisweb: Lunch and Pitch

What would you do with £200, do you have a great idea that you want to share with other people? Have you got an artwork that needs a boost, an idea that needs to be realised? Deadline: Wednesday 26 September 2018.

Interview

20.09.18

National Trust Residency: Larissa E. Shaw

As part of New Art West Midlands 2018, five artists and alumni of the exhibition were awarded coveted residencies with the National Trust. Larissa E Shaw was awarded a residency at The Firs, the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar. Set in sight of the beautiful rolling Malvern Hills, he took great inspiration from the area. We spoke to Larissa about her experience.

News

20.09.18

Help shape the Arts Council’s new strategy for 2020-30

During October and November there will be series of consultation workshops in Birmingham and Nottingham to debate and discuss Arts Council England’s next ten year strategy.

News

12.09.18

ArtsPay Survey

Employees, freelance workers, artists and business owner-managers are being encouraged to contribute to ArtsPay, the first annual survey of earnings from Arts Professional.

News

10.09.18

New Art West Midlands alumna awarded solo exhibition at prestigious Birmingham gallery

As part of New Art West Midlands 2018, Birmingham City University graduate Olivia Peake has been awarded an exhibition at the prestigious RBSA Gallery in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter next year.

News

10.09.18

Coventry Biennial crowdfunding to support local artists at next year’s festival

Last week Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art launched its new identity, website and announced the dates for its next edition. The busy event at The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum also saw the launch of a Kickstarter that will fund a series of commissions for artists from Coventry and Warwickshire as a part of the 2019 Biennial.

04.09.18

Open Call: East Meets West Masterclasses 2018/19

East Meets West is a collaborative project devised by FORMAT International Photography Festival/QUAD and GRAIN Projects that will provide twenty emerging artists and photographers with a professional development opportunity as well as the chance to exhibit their work at FORMAT19 as a digital showcase.

News

03.09.18

West Midlands galleries at The Manchester Contemporary

AirSpace Gallery, Meter Room and Recent Activity to exhibit at The Manchester Contemporary, the UK’s only invitation art fair for critically engaged contemporary art outside of London.

28.08.18

Go and See Bursaries

Herefordshire’s a Great Place are offering bursaries of £300-£500 to help people from Herefordshire go on research trips to pioneering arts and heritage initiatives across the UK. Designed to foster connections and support the exchange of skills and knowledge, those receiving bursaries will be asked to share the findings of their research, playing a part in strengthening the county’s cultural and creative scene.

News

24.08.18

Stoke to unveil new cultural strategy

Stoke is preparing to unveil its first culture strategy since 2008 to build on the momentum generated by its bid to become UK City of Culture 2021. The strategy due to be put out for public consultation in October will focus on strengthening the funding base for the city’s arts sector and developing links between arts organisations and the healthcare sector – via Arts Professional

News

22.08.18

A boarded-up pub is being given a new lease of life as a community hub

Artists have revealed their vision to transform a rundown city centre pub into a vibrant community hub – complete with a dedicated space for producing pottery. The Portland Inn, in Hanley, is to be given a new lease of life as a social space and ceramics workshop with an area for artists and designers – via The Stoke Sentinel.

News

22.08.18

UK arts festival directors demand change to ‘lengthy, opaque and costly’ visa process

The directors of more than 20 UK arts festivals, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Womad and Manchester International Festival, are calling on the government to reform its visa system for visiting artists and ensure that the country remains culturally open and international – via a-n.

20.08.18

The Art of Coventry II

The Art of Coventry is a programme of events organised by Coventry Artspace designed to support and develop West Midlands-based artists. The second season runs from August to October.

News

16.08.18

What Do Artists Do All Day?

Watch artist and New Art West Midlands Advisory Group member Mahtab Hussain in this BBC Four programme following him on one of his latest photographic projects. Mahtab’s work can currently be seen at The New Art Gallery Walsall.

16.08.18

Artist’s Copyright

Navigating copyright laws can be confusing, so it’s important to know your rights and how to protect your work. On Tuesday 18 September Vivid Projects’ Black Hole Club are holding a workshop with not-for-profit visual artists’ rights management organisation DACS. The session will demystify rules and regulations, enabling you to make copyright work for you and your career.

News

10.08.18

In:Site Festival

This September Craftspace are taking over the centre of Birmingham once again for In:Site Festival. The free week-long event will see the green space outside Birmingham Cathedral turn into an outdoor art gallery as it gradually fills up with new artworks, created outside by recent graduates, in collaboration with passers-by.

News

01.08.18

#CVANFuture National Strategy

CVAN publishes its new national strategy to 2021.

News

01.08.18

Birmingham land earmarked for new world-class cultural centre

A site in Yardley, East Birmingham has been agreed as the potential location for a new collection and cultural centre, led by Birmingham Museums Trust

Feature

30.07.18

National Trust Residency: Grace A Williams

Grace A Williams, awarded a residency at Mr Straw’s House, a National Trust property as part of New Art West Midlands 2018 shares her experience.

News

30.07.18

Brexit: arts will suffer without freedom of movement, say Lords

The UK’s thriving cultural industries may suffer by struggling to attract skilled talent from abroad if freedom of movement is restricted after Brexit, a House of Lords committee has warned – via The Guardian.

News

27.07.18

#SaveLightHouse Appeal

Wolverhampton’s Light House Cinema & Cafe Bar is currently under threat of closure. The Black Country’s only independent cinema and community venue, the space supports local artists and has also launched many careers in the arts.

News

26.07.18

Doreen Foster announced as Director of Warwick Arts Centre

Doreen Foster has been announced as the next Director of Warwick Arts Centre. She is currently Deputy Director of the Black Cultural Archives and, before that, Chief Executive of the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham.

News

23.07.18

Cultural sector to ACE: we need support, not measurement

The priorities that the cultural sector want Arts Council England to address over the next ten years have been laid out in a new report, Arts Council England: The Conversation, following a consultation by the funder. It reveals a desire for ACE to advocate more strongly for culture, while finding low levels of support for quality measurement. – via Arts Professional

Review

11.07.18

Review – Three Models for Change

Laura O’Leary reviews Three Models for Change which took place at Stryx, Birmingham from 9-16 June 2018, a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and Grand Union.

10.07.18

EBacc impact: arts teacher numbers in England plummet by almost a quarter

9,000 secondary school arts teachers have left their jobs in England since 2011. Arts Professional’s Jonathan Knott reports – via a-n.

News

09.07.18

Yasmin Boyle: The Space Between Gender

This is the last week to catch ‘The Space Between Gender’, Yasmin Boyle’s solo exhibition at the RBSA. Yasmin won the opportunity to exhibit at the prestigious gallery as part of New Art West Midlands 2017.

04.07.18

Walking Over Coals

Friction Arts’ CPPPD (continuing personal, practice and professional development) programme for emerging, post-emerging and submerging artists of all disciplines, ages and backgrounds. Over the course of a year a diverse group of arts practitioners will work together to make new, risk-taking work and create a group show from the ground up – including fundraising, developing and managing the project, while working with each other and a wide range of professionals from across the artistic spectrum.

02.07.18

Hidden Gems, new grant scheme to highlight Herefordshire

A new grant scheme to identify hidden gems of local heritage and work with communities to produce arts programming or innovative interpretation that tells the gem’s story, making Herefordshire a better place to live, work, and visit. Nine grants of up to £12,000 will be available between 2018 and 2020, with four grants awarded in 2018.

02.07.18

RBSA Next Wave 2018

Deadline approaching for the RBSA’s Next Wave biennial exhibition opportunity for emerging and early-career artists.

Feature

26.06.18

Disabled artists cultivated by DASH mentoring scheme

DASH has just brought Cultivate to a close, a three year mentoring programme for Disabled visual artists based in the West Midlands. Over three years 45 artists took part, and 155 mentoring sessions were held by 12 highly skilled mentors. As a result of the programme’s success, DASH is now planning a Midlands-wide mentoring starting in 2019.

22.06.18

Assembly Birmingham: from precarity of modern living to the power of righteous fury

Birmingham-based artist Pete Ashton reports on a-n’s Assembly event at Eastside Projects.

Engine News

19.06.18

Curatorial Research Group: Can the museum be a site of change? – Thursday 21 June 2018

This Thursday’s Curatorial Research Group, reflects on institutional resistance and the possibility of transformation with the co-curators of ‘The Past Is Now: Birmingham and the British Empire,’ currently on at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

Interview

15.06.18

Three Models for Change: In Conversation

A collaboration between Grand Union and the University of Birmingham, Three Models for Change is a group exhibition taking place at Stryx in Birmingham until 16 June. Laura Onions interviews the curators.

Engine Travel

14.06.18

Laurie Ramsell reports on his trip to Edinburgh, developing a greater knowledge of bioart communities working within the UK

Exploring what it means to be human, Laurie Ramsell’s cross-disciplinary practice investigates themes of the perceived natural and unnatural experience through the use of biological material, often using his own body. In our latest round of opportunities Ramsell was awarded an Engine Micro Bursary to visit ASCUS Art & Science in Edinburgh to develop a greater knowledge of bioart communities working within the UK. He reports back on his trip.

Review

11.06.18

Review – Sam Belinfante: Accordion

Helen Kilby-Nelson reviews Sam Belinfante’s, Accordion, (2014) at the CET Building in Coventry. The pop-up space closes its doors for a final time on Saturday 16 June.

Engine Travel

08.06.18

Jane Thakoordin reports from Glasgow: Project Ability + Glasgow International Festival

In April, artist Jane Thakoordin visited Glasgow with an Engine Micro Bursary. As well as Glasgow International Festival, she visited former colleagues at Project Ability, a visual arts organisation that creates opportunities for people with disabilities and those with lived experience of mental ill-health.

Review

06.06.18

Review – Andrew Jackson: From a Small Island

Caroline Molloy, Senior Lecturer in Photography at Coventry University, reviews Andrew Jackson: From A Small Island at Midland Arts Centre (MAC)

04.06.18

CPD opportunities from Worcestershire Arts Partnership

Worcestershire Arts Partnership are offering CPD opportunities for artists and those in the arts sector at The Guildhall in Worcester over the next 8 months.

Interview

01.06.18

Eastside Projects reopening: “A lot of positives have come out of what at first seemed a very bad situation”

Last June, Birmingham-based Eastside Projects unexpectedly closed its gallery space, with rumours circulating as to the reasons why. In this piece for a-n, Director Gavin Wade speaks to Jack Hutchinson about the real reasons for the closure, how it highlighted the support for Eastside Projects from Birmingham’s art scene and the organisation’s plans for the future.

Review

30.05.18

Review: David Bethell: Inverted Landscapes by Selina Oakes

Selina Oakes reviews David Bethell: Inverted Landscapes at the National Trust’s Ilam Park in Staffordshire.

29.05.18

Gallery 37

Applications are open for Gallery 37, a creative programme investing in Birmingham-based artists who are pursuing a career in the creative industries (aged 16 – 25 years).

News

21.05.18

The Manchester Contemporary Appoints Nathaniel Pitt as Curator

Nathaniel Pitt, Director and founder of Worcestershire and London based gallery Division of Labour, has been appointed as Curator for The Manchester Contemporary.

Review

21.05.18

Review – Vanley Burke: Photographing Birmingham (1968 – 2011)

Caroline Molloy, Senior Lecturer in Photography at Coventry University, reviews Vanley Burke: Photographing Birmingham (1968 – 2011) at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.

Engine Opportunities

16.05.18

Engine Micro Bursaries: Recipients announced

We are delighted to announce the latest recipients of Engine Micro Bursaries. Bursaries of up to £250 were up for grabs for artistic and professional development. A record 67 applications were received in this round, with only 16 bursaries awarded.

14.05.18

The Art of COVENTRY

The Art of Coventry is a programme of events organised by Coventry Artspace designed to support and develop West Midlands-based artists. The first season runs from May to July 2018 and includes talks, workshops and visiting art works.

News

14.05.18

Help shape fair exhibition payment for artists

CVAN is part of the Paying Artist Working Group which, with a-n The Artists Information Company, has launched the Exhibition Payment Survey 2018 – a new sector-wide survey to collect essential data and produce a benchmark for Exhibition Payment in the UK. Whether you are an artist or work for an arts organisation, we urge you to complete the survey to ensure both artists and organisations experiences are taken into consideration.

Feature

11.05.18

out in the cold

Director of Coventry Biennial of Contempoary Art Ryan Hughes talks to Ollie Noble, who in March exhibited works in the central piazza of University of Warwick; the first exhibition he has ever curated.

Media

11.05.18

Artists condemn exclusion of arts subjects from English baccalaureate

More than 100 leading artists say policy will seriously damage many young people’s futures.

Feature

13.04.18

Birmingham Art Lab: the city’s artistic heritage

Chris Ansell, Assistant Manager, Events and Exhibitions at Birmingham City University, reflects on Birmingham Art Lab: the city’s artistic heritage as part of Flatpack Film Festival.

Media

12.04.18

a-n announce Assembly event in Birmingham

a-n’s Assembly programme of workshops, talks and networking returns with a new series of one-day events taking place in four cities around the UK, with events in Salford and Birmingham already confirmed.

Review

11.04.18

Review: Coming Out at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Leanne O’Connor reviews Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender and Identity at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, on display until 15 April.

Media

09.04.18

Arts organisations among best employers for women

Arts Professional report on the gender pay gap within the arts sector. Report from Frances Richens and Christy Romer.

Interview

09.04.18

Selina Oakes interviews Bob Langridge, New Art West Midlands exhibitor

Hereford College of Arts graduate and New Art West Midlands exhibitor Bob Langridge speaks to Selina Oakes.

Media

06.04.18

Sahej Rahal: The Dekkan Trap at mac birmingham, review by Art Review

Fi Churchman reviews Sahej Rahal’s solo show currently on at mac birmingham for Art Review.

Media

05.04.18

Consulting the CVAN regions – update

CVAN update on their consultation of the English regions to determine their focus for their national strategy work over the coming three years.

Engine

05.04.18

Sarah Taylor Silverwood’s Engine Micro Residency at University of Wolverhampton

Sarah Taylor Silverwood reports back from the Engine Micro Residency she undertook at the University of Wolverhampton earlier this year.

Interview

04.04.18

Selina Oakes interviews Jessica Eburne, New Art West Midlands exhibitor

Jessica Eburne is showing as part of New Art West Midlands 2018 at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Selina Oakes caught up with her to find out more about her influences and ideas.

Media

04.04.18

Blogger Q&A: Jenna Naylor, alien hybrid maker

a-n interview Jenna Naylor, New Art West Midlands 2017 alumni and artist based at AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent.

Media

03.04.18

Paying Artists Working Group: developing Exhibition Payment as a tool for resilience and diversity

The recently established Paying Artists Working Group met last month to decide on the steps needed to implement and develop a-n’s Exhibition Payment Guide over the next four years. a-n outline its plans and priorities.

Media

30.03.18

Arts side-lined in Sector Deal for the creative industries

The £150m Creative Industries Sector Deal supports the development of creative clusters and the roll out of a creative careers programme but prioritises digital businesses over culture. Report from Arts Professional’s Liz Hill.

Interview

29.03.18

Selina Oakes interviews Sarah Walden, New Art West Midlands exhibitor

In the third of her series of interviews with New Art West Midlands exhibitors, Selina Oakes catches up with artist Sarah Walden.

Media

29.03.18

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Our colleagues at CVAN have prepared some information and resources on changes to UK data protection law which will be enforced on 25 May 2018. Read more to find out how you may be affected by the new GDPR.

Interview

28.03.18

Selina Oakes interviews Jodie Wingham, New Art West Midlands exhibitor

Selina Oakes speaks to Jodie Wingham, currently exhibiting at AirSpace Gallery as part of New Art West Midlands 2018.

Media

28.03.18

Black Country Lungs: a moving exploration of COPD in a post-industrial community

Medical journal The Lancet, feature Multistory’s recent project Black Country Lungs with Dutch photographer Corinne Noordenbos, which formed part of the Arts and Science Festival at University of Birmingham.

Media

28.03.18

On Milk: a Story of Regulation and Control

Tom Emery profiles artist Melanie Jackson for Frieze magazine. Jackson’s exhibition, Deeper into the Pyramid, is showing at Grand Union until 21 April.

Media

27.03.18

Turner prize winner’s paintings among works acquired for Rugby exhibition

Works by prominent figures in Britain’s Black Arts Movement, including paintings by Turner Prize winner Lubaina Himid, have been acquired by Rugby Borough Council’s collection of 20th and 21st century British contemporary art. Report from the Rugby Observer.

Interview

23.03.18

Selina Oakes interviews Lily Wales, New Art West Midlands exhibitor

New Art West Midlands exhibitor Lily Wales speaks to Selina Oakes about her experiences of re-making her sculpture Radioactive Rhonda at AirSpace Gallery and the context for its production.

Media

23.03.18

Mike Nelson’s exhibition at The New Art Gallery Walsall reviewed by Apollo Magazine

Will Martin reviews Mike Nelson’s Lionheart exhibition at The New Art Gallery Walsall for Apollo Magazine.

Media

20.03.18

ASTONish Evalution Reports

This evaluation report was commissioned by Lara Ratnaraja and Helga Henry as part of the ASTONish programme. ASTONish focused on transforming cultural leadership by selecting creative entrepreneurs and artists both living in Aston and Newtown and those in the wider city who wish to engage with the area culturally.

News

16.03.18

Developing your Creative Practice fund from Arts Council England

Developing your Creative Practice is a new development fund from Arts Council England designed to support independent creative practitioners to ensure excellence is thriving in the arts and culture sector.

Interview

16.03.18

Interview with Meenakshi Thirukode

We speak to curator Meenakshi Thirukode about her platform Instituting Otherwise and her views on unlearning, institutional critique and decolonisation ahead of her participation in Reimagine India: Here, There & Everywhere Summit, at mac birmingham on Friday 23 March.

News

16.03.18

Artists and Collaborators pay tributes to Pete James

We have been extraordinarily saddened by the death this week of Pete James, a curator and researcher of enormous talent and influence within the field of photography within the West Midlands and far beyond. Some of the artists and collaborators he worked with pay tribute.

Engine

15.03.18

Call for participants and Bursary Applications: Curatorial Curriculum at Grand Union

Grand Union’s Curatorial Curriculum is an alternative learning programme for emerging curators, consisting of intensive workshops led by internationally-renowned practitioners. The workshops

Media

15.03.18

New moves to halt decline of arts activities in primary schools

Arts education professionals and politicians have met as a first step to tackling the structural problems causing the arts to be neglected in many schools. Arts Professional’s Liz Hill reports for a-n.

Media

15.03.18

Obituary: Pete James, Curator of Photography Collections at the Library of Birmingham, 1958-2018

A tribute by Diane Smyth in the British Journal of Photography to the enormously important work and to the generous nature of Pete James who sadly passed away this week.

Review

14.03.18

Diaspora Pavilion/Venice to Wolverhampton reviewed by Caroline Molloy

Caroline Molloy, Senior Lecturer in Photography, Coventry University, reflects on her experiences of and the wider impact of Diaspora Pavilion/Venice to Wolverhampton.

Review

09.03.18

The Apna Heritage Archive reviewed by Caroline Molloy

The Apna Heritage Archive exhibition at Wolverhampton Art Gallery is reviewed by Caroline Molloy.

Media

08.03.18

BAE quits as Great Exhibition of the North sponsor

Defence giant BAE Systems has withdrawn its sponsorship of this summer’s Great Exhibition of the North following protests by several acts. BBC report.

Media

07.03.18

Might This Be ‘The Winter of Discontent #2’ for WASPI Artists?

Carolyn Black, Artist Producer and writer based in Gloucestershire, considers the effects on women artists of the changes to the State Pension Age for our colleagues at Visual Arts South West.

Media

05.03.18

Clare Woods at Mead Gallery reviewed in Frieze

Hettie Judah reviews Reality Dimmed at Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, for Frieze.

News

02.03.18

Curatorial Research Group: Personal Slippages: Curating, Curanderismo, Caring

The next Curatorial Research Group session, Personal Slippages: Curating, Curanderismo, Caring: Teresa Cisneros with Adelaide Bannerman, takes place on Friday 9 March.

Engine Opportunities

02.03.18

Engine Micro Bursaries Re-open

We are once again offering artists, curators and art writers living in the West Midlands the opportunity to apply for Engine Micro Bursaries towards artistic and professional development. Application deadline: Thursday 12 April at 12noon.

Engine

01.03.18

Suzie Hunt’s Engine Micro Residency at University of Worcester

Artist Suzie Hunt recently undertook a two-week Engine Micro Residency based at the Garage Studios at the University of Worcester. Here she reflects on her experiences.

Media

01.03.18

Will the Change Makers make a difference?

As one of Arts Council England’s cohort of Change Makers, a group of diverse leaders, Andrew Miller reflects on why he accepted the opportunity and what might change as a result. Article for Arts Professional.

Media

28.02.18

Museum & Gallery Exhibition Tax Credit Briefings

Information about Arts Council’s series of briefing events across England in March to support museums and galleries to understand and benefit from the Museum and Gallery Exhibitions Tax Relief.

Media

22.02.18

A win-win competition

The UK City of Culture competition brings great benefits – to the losers as well as the winners – but as more cities, towns and even villages express interest, Andrew Dixon asks if changes are needed. Report via Arts Professional.

Media

22.02.18

Awards and prizes as graduate showcase New Art West Midlands opens

a-n report on New Art West Midlands 2018 and the prizes and awards announced in partnership with Trust New Art and Cass Art.

Engine

16.02.18

Accelerator Artist Talks Programme

Read more about our next series of Accelerator talks taking place in March and April at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum and Staffordshire University.

News

16.02.18

New Art West Midlands 2018 – Prize Winners Announced

Five artists and alumni of the New Art West Midlands exhibition have been awarded coveted residencies with the National Trust, alongside three prizes from Cass Art.

News

14.02.18

A Statement from Photo Archive Miners on the sad death of Masterji

Photo Archive Miners pay tribute to the late Coventry-based photographer Masterji, who has sadly passed away at the age of 96.

Media

09.02.18

Edmund Clark and Thomas Bock exhibitions at Ikon reviewed by a-n Writer Development Programme

a-n’s Writer Development Programme participants review Ikon’s Edmund Clark and Thomas Bock exhibitions as part of the scheme.

Media

09.02.18

Warwick Arts Centre awarded major capital funding for 20:20 Project

Warwick Arts Centre has been awarded £4.2m in National Lottery funding from Arts Council England towards its 20:20 capital project.

Review

09.02.18

What ingredients make for a successful artist? A response to SLOW COOKER PT IV

Gavin Rogers responds to SLOW COOKER PT IV, an artist residency programme delivered by Stryx Gallery Birmingham from May to Dec 2017.

Media

08.02.18

DCMS Inquiry: Societal Impact of Participation in Culture and Sport

The DCMS Select Committee is currently inquiring into the societal impact of participation in culture and sport. CVAN are urgently calling for case studies to submit to this.

Engine

08.02.18

Curatorial Bursary Report: Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art by Jonathon Harris

Engine Curatorial Bursary recipient Jonathon Harris reflects upon his experiences of working with last year’s Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art.

Media

05.02.18

Worcester Arts Workshop gets council grant to help it raise £1m

Aled Thomas reports for Worcester News on closure-threatened Worcester Arts Workshop’s vital council grant.

Review

01.02.18

Jonny Bark: Inhabiting Edgelands

Caroline Molloy reviews Jonny Bark’s exhibition Inhabiting Edgelands at the CET Building, Coventry.

Media

31.01.18

Join Birmingham’s cultural revolution!

Eastside Projects report on the 16 new job opportunities created as a result of Arts Council’s NPO funding for Birmingham.

News

26.01.18

Navi Kaur: Things That Remind Me of Home

Read more about Things That Remind Me of Home, a project by artist Navi Kaur.

Media

26.01.18

Westminster may be brain-dead but some parts of Britain are buzzing with ideas: A visit to the Midlands shows how growth can be made inclusive

The Economist on the opportunities for Coventry and the West Midlands as part of the Midlands Engine.

Interview

25.01.18

Double Act: Smoke and Mirrors, Amy-Lou Matthews, AirSpace Graduate Residency Interview

Selina Oakes speaks to Staffordshire University alumna Amy-Lou Matthews about her time in residence at AirSpace Gallery as part of their Graduate Residency Scheme.

Media

25.01.18

The university of the future will be interdisciplinary

‘Traditional departmental structures are preventing research and education from evolving. It’s time for something new.’ Report by Zahir Irani for The Guardian.

Engine News

25.01.18

Micro Residency Artists Announced for University of Worcester and University of Wolverhampton

We are pleased to announce the artists selected for our two Engine Micro Residencies taking place this year.

Media

24.01.18

How art and design can transform the daily commute

Vincent Dowd reports for the BBC on Crossrail’s new series of visual art commissions for train stations.

Media

19.01.18

A Q&A with… Clare Woods, painter with a sculptural approach

Anneka French interviews Herefordshire-based Clare Woods on her solo exhibition at the Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, for a-n news.

Media

18.01.18

Can commercial galleries thrive outside major market centres?

Henry Little reports from Apollo on the move toward regional, non-London outposts for a number of major galleries.

Media

17.01.18

Creativity can be taught to anyone. So why are we leaving it to private schools?

Rufus Norris reports for The Guardian on prioritising the creative industries within education.

Media

17.01.18

Mayor turns up the heat in bid to lure Channel 4 to the West Midlands

Black Country Radio report on the campaign to bring Channel 4 to the West Midlands (to Solihull, Birmingham, Coventry or Brierley Hill) via #WMGeneration.

News

12.01.18

New Art West Midlands: Five Years On – Alumni Exhibition

We are delighted to announce a very special exhibition launching next month: New Art West Midlands: Five Years On, 15 February – 6 May.

Engine News

11.01.18

Studio Visit Artists Announced

The successful artists are announced for the most recent phase of our Engine studio visits.

Media

10.01.18

Scene Report: Coventry – seizing new opportunities for the visual arts

Ryan Hughes reports for a-n news on visual arts activity in Coventry, the 2021 UK City of Culture.

Media

10.01.18

Made in Stoke-on-Trent

A series of short documentary films from The Guardian focusing on Stoke-on-Trent including, among others, artist Anna Francis, Community Maker and the Portland Inn Project.

Media

29.12.17

2017 – How was it for you? #6: Grand Union, Birmingham

Grand Union programme director Kim McAleese and associate curator Seán Elder speak to a-n news about their 2017.

Engine Travel

22.12.17

Andrew Gillespie Reports from Glasgow

Andrew Gillespie reports from his research trip to Glasgow last summer, made possible via an Engine Micro Bursary.

Media

15.12.17

Opening the Floodgates Artist Announced

The Ring announces the selected artist for its open call. Lucy McLauchlan will make new work for the waterways of Worcestershire.

Engine Travel

14.12.17

#neverbeentovenice – Reflections on the Biennale by Kate Self

Kate Self reflects on the Engine visit to the Venice Biennale back in September.

Media

12.12.17

Artists Announced for Multistory’s Blast! Call Out

Multistory announce the artists working with them on Blast Festival 2019.

News

12.12.17

Proposed Cuts to Towner Gallery, Eastbourne

Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne have launched a petition objecting to significant cuts proposed by Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC).

Media

07.12.17

Coventry named UK city of culture 2021

Coventry has been named the UK’s city of culture for 2021, giving it a one-off opportunity to boost the economy, tourism, civic pride and access to the arts – but also, its backers hope, a chance to be in the limelight and have some fun. Mark Brown reports for The Guardian.

News

30.11.17

New CVAN Director Announced

The Contemporary Visual Arts Network is delighted to announce the appointment of Paula Graham-Gazzard as its new Director.

News

24.11.17

Opportunities at BOM: Indonesia Residency, Fellows and BOM+

BOM announce three new opportunities: Indonesia Residency, BOM Fellows and BOM+. All deadlines are in December.

Media

23.11.17

Creative Industries Federation Responds to The Budget

Yesterday the Chancellor presented his Budget to Parliament. Commitments on innovation, tech, and digital infrastructure were promised, however there is concern that there was no acknowledgement of the importance of the creative industries in growing the country’s economy – despite recent reports.

Media

23.11.17

Brexit: EU cancels Britain’s hosting of European capital of culture

A report from The Independent detailing the EU’s decision to prevent Britain’s participation in European Capital of Culture after Brexit.

Media

22.11.17

Education networks unite to extend cross-cultural collaboration

Arts Professional’s Christy Romer reports on a new manifesto is billed as the first-ever international commitment to arts management and cultural policy education.

Engine Travel

16.11.17

Pete Ashton on Ars Electronica, Linz

In September, artist Pete Ashton visited Ars Electronica, a media arts festival in the Austrian city of Linz with an Engine Micro Bursary. Here he reflects on his experiences in the context of international festivals and the impact these might have upon artists within their locale.

Media

16.11.17

STEAM Briefing published with Nesta

A new briefing published jointly by the Cultural Learning Alliance and Nesta sets out the need to shift the policy focus on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) by adding the A of arts – turning STEM into STEAM.

Engine Travel

15.11.17

Vicky Roden Shares her Experiences of the Venice Biennale

Artist Vicky Roden shares her experiences of visiting the Venice Biennale. Her trip was supported by an Engine Bursary.

Media

14.11.17

History in the making: children use clay in class to rejuvenate the Potteries

Josh Halliday reports for the Guardian on the benefits of making and a creative education in the context of the British Ceramics Biennial and Stoke-on-Trent’s Capital of Culture bid.

Interview

10.11.17

Interview with artist Karina Marusińska

Bettina Fischer speaks to artist Karina Marusińska about her residency and workshops in West Bromwich and recent exhibition at Centrala.

News

10.11.17

Live Screen @ The Herbert – Open Call: A new opportunity from Home for Waifs and Strays

Home for Waifs and Strays have just announced a new open call in partnership with disability led arts organisation DASH and The Herbert Museum & Art Gallery in Coventry.

Engine

10.11.17

Traverse artists announced: Joanne Masding and Mette Boel

We announce the artists selected for Traverse: Connecting International Art Communities – Joanne Masding (UK) and Mette Boel (DK).

Engine Travel

08.11.17

Rohanie Campbell-Thakoordin reports on the Diaspora Pavilion in Venice

Rohanie Campbell-Thakoordin reports from the 57th Venice International Art Biennale, with a focus on the Diaspora Pavilion curated by David A Bailey MBE. Her visit was funded by an Engine bursary.

News

06.11.17

ASTONish Presents Masterclass With David A Bailey MBE

ASTONish presents the next Masterclass with David A Bailey MBE on Thursday 16 November at Birmingham Hippodrome in partnership with New Art West Midlands and CREATE.

Engine

31.10.17

Micro-residency opportunities at University of Wolverhampton and University of Worcester

Engine, in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton and University of Worcester are offering micro residency opportunities in January and February 2018.

Interview

31.10.17

Interview with artist Faisal Hussain

Birmingham-based artist Faisal Hussain recently presented his first solo exhibition Suspect Objects Suspect Subjects at Centrala. Bettina Fischer talked to him about motivators behind his work and the need to face hatred with humour.

Interview Travel

27.10.17

Ann Lislegaard Interviewed by Aly Grimes

Birmingham-based independent curator Aly Grimes interviews artist Ann Lislegaard about her work for the Lofoten International Arts Festival, north Norway.

Media

27.10.17

Collaborations between arts and academia benefit all

A national assessment of UK research has found partnering with academics can inspire arts organisations and practitioners to create innovative news projects. Article by Christy Romer from Arts Professional.

Engine Travel

26.10.17

Venice O My! Reflections on Venice Biennale by Alex Billingham

Our second report from the New Art West Midlands / Engine visit to Venice. Artist and curator Alex Billingham reflects on the trip.

Engine Travel

26.10.17

Video, Film, Digital: Moving Image at the 57th Venice International Art Biennale by Thomas Kilby

In the first of a series of reports from 57th Venice International Art Biennale, artist Tom Kilby reports on his highlights. Tom was one of the artists selected for an Engine bursary to attend the Biennale along with the New Art West Midlands and Engine teams.

News

26.10.17

ASTONish presents Masterclass with Zoe Whitley

ASTONish presents a masterclass with Zoe Whitley, Co-curator of ‘Soul Of A Nation’, Tate Modern. In partnership with New Art West Midlands and CREATE.

Media

25.10.17

Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art reviewed by this is tomorrow

Kit Webb reviews Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art for this is tomorrow.

Media

25.10.17

Iain Cartwright, Executive Director of the British Ceramics Biennial speaks about the project for The Biennial Effect

Iain Cartwright, Executive Director of the British Ceramics Biennial speaks about his work with the city of Stoke-on-Trent and Higher Education. This presentation forms part of The Biennial Effect, a symposium organised for Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art.

Feature

25.10.17

Lara Ratnaraja and Helga Henry on diversity in the cultural sector

Lara Ratnaraja and Helga Henry give their opinions on the narrative surrounding diversity in the cultural sector.

Engine

23.10.17

Sophie Huckfield: Decelerating at Summer Lodge

Artist Sophie Huckfield reflects on the Summer Lodge she attended this summer at Nottingham Trent University. Her participation was funded by an Engine Micro Bursary.

News

18.10.17

Trust New Art Midlands group with New Art West Midlands: Creative Intelligence and the new residency model with artist Matt Parker

This session will be an opportunity to learn more about a new short residency model with National Trust, with an opportunity for 5 Trust New Art Midlands properties to host micro residencies with New Art West Midlands artists past and present.

Engine News

18.10.17

Curatorial Research Group Autumn 2017

The autumn season of Curatorial Research Network events led by Lucy Lopez and Eastside Projects with New Art West Midlands is now live.

News

13.10.17

The Biennial Effect: The impact of the art biennial on place-making

As the inaugural Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art draws to a close, this symposium examines the impact of the art biennial on place-making. It asks, what makes a new biennial distinctive within the global cult of biennials? And is it enough for a biennial to be responsive, embedded and tailored to its locality?

Media

12.10.17

Susie Green: Pleasure is a Weapon

Amy Jones reviews Susie Green: Pleasure is a Weapon at Grand Union for this is tomorrow.

Media

12.10.17

Coventry Biennial 2017 review: a springboard for new responses

Selina Oakes reviews the Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art for a-n news.

Media

22.09.17

British Ceramics Biennial 2017 in Stoke-on-Trent

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor at Creative Tourist, previews the upcoming British Ceramics Biennial in Stoke-on-Trent.

Media

22.09.17

The Future: Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art

Axisweb preview the inaugural Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art.

Engine Travel

21.09.17

Pak Keung Wan on the 3rd Global Print 2017

Pak Keung Wan on the international printmaking exhibition 3rd Global Print located in the Douro region of Portugal 2017.

Engine

21.09.17

Katie Hodson attends intensive casting course at London Sculpture Workshop

Artist Katie Hodson used the Engine Micro Bursary she was awarded this summer to attend a casting workshop at London Sculpture Workshop. She reflects on her production experiences and learning processes below.

Media

21.09.17

CVAN Joins Paying Artists Working Group

CVAN have joined the Paying Artists Working Group, set up by a-n/AIR to inform the development of their Exhibition Payment Guide and support its implementation over the next five years.

Engine Travel

21.09.17

documenta visit reflections by Laura Onions

Artist and educator Laura Onions was the recipient of an Engine Micro Bursary earlier this year. Below she reflects on her experiences of documenta 14, Kassel.

Media

21.09.17

Scene Report: Stoke-on-Trent – a malleable city with creative potential

Selina Oakes profiles the artistic scene in Stoke-on-Trent for a-n.

Interview

20.09.17

Introducing: Katie Boyce, Senior Visual Arts Officer at Rugby Art Gallery

We chat to Katie Boyce, recently appointed Senior Visual Arts Officer at Rugby Art Gallery to find out about her interests and upcoming plans.

Media

20.09.17

Seurat To Riley: The Art Of Perception Reviewed

Robert Richardson reviews Seurat To Riley: The Art Of Perception at Compton Verney for our friends at CVAN East Midlands.

Media

20.09.17

The People’s Walk of Fame with Anna Francis and Rebecca Davies

The Stoke Sentinnel features this new artist-led project taking place in Stoke-on-Trent.

Interview

15.09.17

Interview with Artist Nick Briz

We speak to Chicago-based artist Nick Briz, one of 10 artists showing in No Copyright Infringement Intended at Vivid Projects.

Media

15.09.17

How can universities help solve the creative arts crisis?

The creative arts have come under fire for poor graduate outcomes. But universities need to defend the important skills they provide. Jennifer Tuckett writes for the Guardian.

Engine

14.09.17

Engine: Opportunities for Studio Visits

We are again offering artists and curators living in the West Midlands region the opportunity to receive a studio visit from an arts professional. Application deadline: 12noon, Friday 3 November.

Feature

08.09.17

Tony McClure and Suzie Hunt: Whitworth Wallis Artists in Residence

Artists Tony McClure and Suzie Hunt recently completed Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s annual Whitworth Wallis Residency for graduates from Birmingham School of Art.

Engine

07.09.17

Engine Away Day: AirSpace and ACAVA, Stoke-on-Trent, Saturday 14 October 2017

Our third Engine Away Day visit is to the gallery and studios at AirSpace Gallery and nearby artist studio complex ACAVA.

News

06.09.17

THE OUTER LIMITS: Defining a Visual Arts Strategy for the West Midlands

Led by New Art West Midlands, The Outer Limits programme for artists explores the extremities of artistic practice – seeking out the far and distant places that make visual art in the midlands distinct and encouraging peer interaction through 6 events across the region.

Engine

06.09.17

Engine Away Day: Grand Union, Birmingham, Wednesday 11 October 2017

Our Away Day visit on 11 October is to the gallery and purpose-built artist-led studios Grand Union in the Minerva Works complex in Digbeth, Birmingham.

Media

04.09.17

Venice Biennale: Britain’s New Voices

This BBC documentary follows three artists as they prepared to show their work in the Diaspora Pavilion in Venice earlier this year. The programme includes our very own Birmingham-based Barbara Walker, as well as a fitting and moving tribute to Khadija Saye.

Engine

01.09.17

Engine Open Call: Traverse – Connecting International Art Communities

Aarhus Billedkunstcenter (Denmark) and New Art West Midlands present the second edition of Traverse – Connecting International Art Communities. Read more about our artist open call exploring the impact of peripheral geographies on artists’ working lives.

Feature Interview

31.08.17

Sex Education in Flux: Bedfellows Residency, AirSpace Gallery

Selina Oakes speaks with the three artists of Bedfellows, Chloe Cooper, Phoebe Davies and Jenny Moore, recently on residence at AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent.

Interview

31.08.17

Interview with artist Emilie Gervais

Emilie Gervais, based in Marseille, is one of 10 artists showing in No Copyright Infringement Intended, curated by Antonio Roberts at Vivid Projects. We find out more.

Media

30.08.17

Cass Art interview Barbara Walker

Our friends at Cass Art interview Birmingham-based artist Barbara Walker about her Drawing Room Bursary Award.

Review

30.08.17

Sheela Gowda at Ikon: Review by Selina Oakes

Selina Oakes reviews Ikon gallery’s current exhibition of work by Indian artist Sheela Gowda.

Media

25.08.17

GCSES Further Decline in Uptake of Arts Subjects

CVAN National report on the declining uptake of GCSE arts subjects.

Engine

23.08.17

Engine Away Day: The Royal Standard, Liverpool, Tuesday 12 September 2017

Engine is programming a series of Away Day visits both within the region and beyond. The purpose of these is to explore artist-led activity, to profile the work of artists based outside the capital and to create networking opportunities.

Interview

22.08.17

Q&A with artist Barbara Mihályi

Bettina Fischer speaks to Barbara Mihályi about her residency and exhibition at Centrala exploring Birmingham’s canals.

Interview

18.08.17

Introducing: Amelia Beavis-Harrison, ESP & Public Programmer, Eastside Projects

We catch up with Amelia Beavis-Harrison, newly appointed ESP & Public Programmer at Eastside Projects.

Media

17.08.17

Ikon’s Sheela Gowda exhibition reviewed in Frieze

Emilia Terracciano reviews Ikon’s Sheela Gowda solo exhibition in Frieze magazine.

Engine

16.08.17

Jodie Wingham Reports from Textile Screenprinting Summer School at Leicester Print Workshop

Jodie Wingham reports from Leicester Print Workshop’s Screenprinting Summer School.

Media

16.08.17

Mahtab Hussain: You Get Me? review on Photomonitor

Helen Trompeteler reviews Mahtab Hussain’s solo exhibition You Get Me? at Autograph ABP for Photomonitor.

Interview

16.08.17

Q&A with Tom Verity and James Lomax: Glasshouse 2

Since 4 July, artists Tom Verity and James Lomax have been undertaking the second part of the Glasshouse residency programme in The New Art Gallery Walsall’s Artists’ Studio. Anneka French found out more.

Media

16.08.17

Quarter of arts PhDs ‘neglect career development’

Many UK doctoral students view professional development as a ‘distraction’ or a ‘waste of time’, says study. Article from Times Higher Education.

Media

10.08.17

Connecting Stories of British Heritage

Harpreet Kaur writes about the Library of Birmingham exhibition Connecting Stories: Our British Asian Heritage for the Huffington Post.

Interview

10.08.17

Q&A with Seán Elder, Associate Curator at Grand Union

We catch up with Seán Elder, Grand Union’s new Associate Curator, to find out more about his background, research and future plans.

Media

07.08.17

New Kickstarter Launched for Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art

a-n report on a new Kickstarter for the biennial. The 17-day festival will feature over 70 exhibitions and events from UK and international artists. Jack Hutchinson finds out more from artist and biennial director Ryan Hughes.

Engine Travel

04.08.17

Kaye Winwood Reports from Food Art Week (Berlin)

Last month Kaye Winwood attended Food Art Week (Berlin), this research opportunity was supported by an Engine Micro Bursary, from New Art West Midlands and The New Art Gallery Walsall. She reports back on her experiences.

Engine Feature

02.08.17

Grace A. Williams on the Psychical Research Archive, Cambridge

Grace A Williams visited the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) Archive at Cambridge University Library, the largest UK repository of material relating to unexplained phenomena. Watch her video report.

News

28.07.17

Barbara Walker Selected for Jerwood Drawing Prize 2017

Barbara Walker has been selected as one of the exhibitors in the Jerwood Drawing Prize, opening at Jerwood Space on 13 September 2017.

Interview

27.07.17

Q&A with Artist Pamela Schilderman

Annabel Clarke speaks to artist Pamela Schilderman about her work in Leamington Spa Museum & Art Gallery’s Spotlight display.

Engine Travel

26.07.17

Artists and Producers Selected for Venice Biennale Bursaries

Four artists and visual arts producers based in Birmingham and the Black Country have been awarded our 57th Venice Biennale bursaries following an open call.

Interview

26.07.17

Introducing Recent Activity: Q&A with Andrew Gillespie and Andrew Lacon

Recent Activity is a curatorial collaborative project by Birmingham-based artists Andrew Gillespie and Andrew Lacon. They have recently opened a space on Floodgate Street in Digbeth. We found out what they have planned for the space.

News

20.07.17

Hereford College of Arts Success at Free Range, London

Graduates of Hereford College of Arts Photography programme have enjoyed recent success at the annual Free Range graduate show in London.

News

20.07.17

New Art West Midlands 2018 exhibition – selected artists announced

28 artists have been selected for the exhibition, New Art West Midlands 2018 which will take place at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry and Airspace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent in February to May 2018.

News

20.07.17

Mark Essen selected for 3-Phase

Mark Essen is one of three artists selected for 3-Phase, a development programme and exhibition series delivered in partnership with Jerwood Charitable Foundation, Workplace Gallery and Eastside Projects.

Media

18.07.17

Creative Freelancers Report

Nearly half (47%) of the creative workers in the creative industries are freelance. Creative Freelancers, is a new report published by the Creative Industries Federation aiming to transform the working lives of those who are self-employed in the industry.

Engine News

17.07.17

Lily Wales receives GRAIN and Engine Bursary

Engine and GRAIN are delighted to announce that Lily Wales has been awarded our £1000 bursary. The bursary was for an artist living and working in the West Midlands region who uses photography as an integral element of their practice.

News

17.07.17

Coventry & Stoke shortlisted for City of Culture 2021

On Friday evening the shortlist for 2021 UK City of Culture was announced. Five out of the original list of eleven bidding cities were selected. In exciting news for the region, two West Midlands cities, Coventry and Stoke-on-Trent made the shortlist.

Media

14.07.17

ISM and a-n launch #FreeMoveCreate

The Incorporated Society of Musicians (ISM – the UK’s professional body for musicians) and a-n have announced their collaborative campaign #FreeMoveCreate to protect freedom of movement for all who work in the creative industries.

Engine News

14.07.17

Engine: Curatorial Development Opportunities – Recipients announced

Congratulations to Jonathon Harris, Grace Williams and Kaye Winwood who are successful recipients of our recent curatorial opportunities.

Media

13.07.17

a-n Valuing Artists Strategy

a-n have launched a five-year strategy to tackle the growing challenges artists face in sustaining their careers. Valuing Artists aims to ensure policy makers and commissioners value the artist as well as the art.

Interview

13.07.17

Q&A with Pete James on Thresholds, part of Developed in Birmingham

Developed in Birmingham is a season of hands-on workshops, talks, walks and events which reveal, explore and celebrate the city’s significant role in the early history of photography. In our second interview about the season, curator and photographic historian Pete James, talks about Mat Collishaw’s new artwork Thresholds, currently on show at the Waterhall, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

Engine Review

11.07.17

Halina Dominska on the Aesthetica Future Now Symposium

Earlier in the year recent graduate and New Art West Midlands 2017 alumna Halina Dominska was awarded an Engine Micro Bursary to attend Aesthetica’s Future Now Symposium which took place from 25-26 May 2017. She reports back on her experience.

Media

03.07.17

Threatened New Art Gallery Walsall saved by Arts Council grant

The New Art Gallery Walsall, which has been under threat of deep public funding cuts, has been saved by a four-year £3.5m grant from Arts Council England. The gallery is also considering a partnership with the University of Wolverhampton to secure its long-term future.

Feature Interview

30.06.17

Q&A with Sam Ivin

Following an open call, photographer Sam Ivin has been awarded a new residency commission in Stoke-on-Trent, a collaboration between GRAIN Projects and Appetite. We found out what he has planned over the next few months.

Feature News

28.06.17

National Portfolio Organisations: A Response from Director Craig Ashley

New Art West Midlands’ director Craig Ashley reflects on yesterday’s announcement from Arts Council England about investment to the region’s visual arts organisations through their National Portfolio for 2018-22.

Media

28.06.17

National Portfolio Organisations Announced

Arts Council England Chief Executive, Darren Henley, welcomes 831 organisations to the 2018-22 portfolio. Find out more about the picture in the West Midlands and across the rest of the country.

Feature News

27.06.17

100 Masters

100 Masters, a landmark campaign from Creative Black Country, is looking to profile the best contemporary craftspeople, makers and thinkers from the Black Country. We speak to Creative Producer, Liam Smyth.

Feature News

26.06.17

Kate Spence on Vivid Live at Vivid Projects

Artist and Associate Curator Kate Spence speaks about Vivid Live, a new live art strand she is curating at Vivid Projects later this year.

Interview

23.06.17

Q&A with Alice Gale-Feeny, Joe Fletcher Orr and Bryony Gillard: Glasshouse

Alice Gale-Feeny, Joe Fletcher Orr and Bryony Gillard were selected for Glasshouse, a residency devised by The New Art Gallery Walsall and Eastside Projects, with the aim to strengthen relationships across the country. Anneka French spoke with them.

Engine Travel

21.06.17

Opportunity to visit the Venice Biennale with the Engine team, 26-29 September 2017

We are offering four West Midlands artists or curators the opportunity to visit the 57th Venice Biennale with the Engine/New Art West Midlands team. Deadline 11am, 17 July 2017.

Media

20.06.17

New Irish initiative acknowledges professional status of artists applying for Jobseekers Allowance

The new one-year pilot scheme has been developed in partnership between the department of social protection and the department of arts, heritage, regional, rural and Gaeltacht affairs, in consultation with Visual Artists Ireland and The Irish Writers Centre.

News

16.06.17

West Midlands artists selected for New Contemporaries

Three artists born in the West Midlands have been selected for the 2017 edition of the prestigious New Contemporaries award and exhibition.

Interview News

16.06.17

A Q&A with Hannah Dale, Canwood Gallery, Herefordshire

We caught up with Hannah Dale of the newly opened Canwood Gallery in Herefordshire to find out more about the gallery’s origins and future plans.

Interview

15.06.17

Q&A with Dan Auluk, GRASSLANDS Founder

We spoke with Dan Auluk, artist, curator and GRASSLANDS founder about his upcoming residencies and plans for the future of this unique space in Birmingham.

Interview

09.06.17

Q&A with Anne de Charmant on Synthetic Landscapes

Meadow Arts’ exhibition Synthetic Landscapes explores our relationship to the land and takes place at Weston Park in Shifnal and Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery. Anneka French spoke to Director Anne de Charmant to find out more.

Interview

06.06.17

Q&A with Aimee Millward on her Collaboration with Dudley Archives

Aimee Millward was a New Art West Midlands exhibitor in 2016 and has recently developed an exhibition in collaboration with Dudley Archives and Local History Centre titled Virtual Mirrors (Intersection of the Real and Unreal).

Interview

06.06.17

Q&A with Ming De Nasty

Last month, artist Ming De Nasty showed a new body of photographs at Birmingham’s A3 Project Space. Sufficient formed part of a research project on urban growing within the city. Annabel Clarke spoke with the artist.

Interview

06.06.17

Joanna Colley on Reuben Colley’s Master Graphics Exhibition

Joanna Colley of Birmingham’s Reuben Colley Fine Art speaks to us about their upcoming exhibition Master Graphics, featuring some of the biggest names in the artworld.

Interview

02.06.17

Q&A with Victoria Lucas on Lay of the Land at AirSpace Gallery

Artist Victoria Lucas is currently presenting her solo exhibition Lay of the Land (and other such myths) at Stoke-on-Trent’s AirSpace Gallery. Anneka French caught up with her to about her research, production processes and what it’s been like working with the gallery again after seven years.

Engine Travel

02.06.17

Adam Grüning on Wolfgang Tillmans and Media Networks at Tate Modern

Artist Adam Grüning was awarded a Micro Bursary to carry out research at Tate Modern exhibitions Wolfgang Tillmans and Media Networks. He reflects on his visit and its relevance to his practice.

Feature News

01.06.17

BOM’s Research on Women and Technology in Indonesia

Annabel Clarke met with Louise Latter, Head of Programme at BOM to find out about their ongoing work with the British Council in Indonesia, as well as their future plans for the space.

Media

01.06.17

Six West Midlands organisations included in Artist-Led Hot 100 by Kevin Hunt

Six art organisations from across the West Midlands are included in this years’ Artist-Led Hot 100, an artwork by Kevin Hunt. These include BLOK in Worcester, Portland Inn Project in Stoke-on-Trent, Office for Art, Design and Technology and Classroom in Coventry, and Recent Activity and Modern Clay in Birmingham.

News

01.06.17

A Matter of Life and Death

A week-long arts and culture festival to explore death and dying in interesting, fun and active ways recently took place. Read more about A Matter of Life and Death at mac birmingham.

Travel

31.05.17

Antonio Roberts Reports from The Arts in a Digital World Summit, Montreal

Artist, curator and New Art West Midlands Advisory Group member Antonio Roberts was invited to speak at The Arts in a Digital World Summit in Montreal, Canada in March. Here he reflects on the possibilities and limitations of digital platforms for the arts, particularly in terms of the diversity of our creative communities.

Interview

31.05.17

Room7 Present their first exhibition FLUX

Room7 is a new curatorial collective that has arisen from the MA in Art History and Curating at the University of Birmingham. We speak to Room7 to find out more about their aspirations for their first exhibition FLUX.

Engine

25.05.17

Dawn Harris Attends Magritte’s Umbrella: Drawing Upon the Subconscious at the Royal West Academy

Artist and Director of ArtistsWorkhouse, Dawn Harris, received an Engine Micro Bursary to expand her practice through attendance at the 3 day workshop Magritte’s Umbrella: Drawing Upon the Subconscious at the Royal West Academy, Bristol. She shares her experiences.

Interview

24.05.17

Jo Gane looks ahead to A White House on Paradise Street

In the first of our texts looking ahead to Developed in Birmingham, artist Jo Gane discusses her exhibition A White House on Paradise Street at BOM, which takes inspiration from a lost photograph made by George Shaw.

Engine

22.05.17

Engine: Curatorial Development Opportunities

ENGINE, the professional development programme for artists and curators in the region is currently offering two curatorial opportunities – a Curatorial Development Opportunity with Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art and a Bursary Opportunity for Curatorial Development.

Engine Travel

17.05.17

Kurt Hickson on Painters’ Painters and Robert Rauschenberg

Kurt Hickson was awarded a Micro Bursary to undertake two research trips to London, visiting several exhibitions including Painters’ Painters at Saatchi Gallery and Tate Modern’s Robert Rauschenberg retrospective.

Interview

16.05.17

Liz Hingley: Home Made in Smethwick

An interview with artist and anthropologist Liz Hingley about her photographic series Home Made in Smethwick, now a publication and touring exhibition commissioned by Multistory.

Interview

16.05.17

Evolution Explored: Magnum Photos in Shrewsbury

We speak to Salla Virman, former CEO of The Hive Arts Centre in Shrewsbury, about her motivations for the Magnum Photos public realm exhibition Evolution Explored.

Interview

15.05.17

Interview: Mark Cass, Founder & CEO of Cass Art

We are delighted that Cass Art, the UK’s leading art supplies retailer sponsored the New Art West Midlands exhibitions this year. As well as exhibitions sponsor, they provided prizes to two awards this year. Mark Cass, Founder and CEO of Cass Art, answered our questions.

Media

11.05.17

“I wanted to articulate the complexities of British Asian life”: photographer Mahtab Hussain on his new show, You Get Me?

Artist and New Art West Midlands Advisory Group member Mahtab Hussain talks to It’s Nice That about his current solo exhibition You Get Me at Autograph ABP.

Media

11.05.17

A Q&A with… Alex Hartley and Tom James, artists with a blueprint for the future

Anneka French speaks to artists Tom James and Alex Hartley for a-n about The Clearing, their experimental geodesic dome set in the grounds of Compton Verney.

Engine News

11.05.17

Curatorial Research Group – with Tom Clark, 25 May 2017

In this second meeting, curator, writer and editor Tom Clark will present his research to the Curatorial Research Group and lead a discussion around the role of publishing (or, making public) in relation to practices of instituting.

Feature

10.05.17

Sarah Shalgosky: How to be an artist in the gig economy

The ‘gig economy’ is receiving a lot of coverage in the media at the moment. How can you be an artist in this environment? We reproduce Sarah Shalgosky, Curator at the University of Warwick’s Keynote from The National Association for Fine Art Education annual symposium ‘Artist as Superconnector/Superconductor’ held in March.

Review

08.05.17

More Awkward Bastards

Writer Poppy Noor visited the second Awkward Bastards symposium in March co-produced by DASH, mac birmingham and the Live Art Development Agency. She reflects on the event, as well as questions of diversity and representation.

Media

08.05.17

The estate agents marketing Stoke-on-Trent to Londoners

Over the last week Londoners were offered the chance to swap one Stoke for another as part of a project to attract more creative professionals to the Potteries. It involved transforming an arts centre in London’s Stoke Newington into an estate agents in order to promote a range of Stoke-on-Trent-based properties. Organisers wanted to show people how they could avoid the high costs of living in the capital city by moving to North Staffordshire instead.

Feature

03.05.17

Hannah Honeywill: Tumbleweed

Birmingham City University graduate Hannah Honeywill exhibited work as part of the 2016 New Art West Midlands exhibitions. As as result, she was selected for a residency at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. We caught up with her to hear about the residency, and her new piece Tumbleweed which is currently on display at the gallery.

News

27.04.17

Interim CVAN National Coordinator to speak at Aesthetica Magazine Future Now Symposium 2017

Gordon Dalton, Interim CVAN National Coordinator and Visual Arts South West Network Manager, will speak during the Commissioning/Funding session at Aesthetica Magazine Future Now Symposium 2017 in York on Thursday 25 May.

Engine Travel

26.04.17

Mark Essen reports on the recently reopened Tate St.Ives

Mark Essen reports on the recently reopened Tate St.Ives. A recipient of an Engine micro-bursary, Mark wished to visit to visit galleries and studios in the Cornwall area for professional development and attend a group show in which he was exhibiting.

News

25.04.17

New Art West Midlands 2018 – Call for artists

Applications are now open for New Art West Midlands 2018. Apply now!

News

20.04.17

In Conversation with Katie Hodson

As part of a Special Opportunity Award from the New Art West Midlands exhibitions, Katie Hodson, a recent graduate of University of Worcester, is currently undertaking a residency offered by Office for Art, Design and Technology. On Monday 24 April, there will be an ‘In Conversation’ event with Katie at mac birmingham.

Media

19.04.17

Birmingham to get £2m singing clock at site of planned HS2 station

Turner Prize-winning artist Susan Philipsz will create work after being named winner of Birmingham Big Art Project contest

Engine News

19.04.17

Curatorial Curriculum – Engine bursary recipients announced

Grand Union’s Curatorial Curriculum is an alternative educational programme for emerging curators, consisting of intensive workshops led by internationally-renowned practitioners. Earlier in the year Engine offered bursaries for the course for West Midlands-based curators. We are delighted to announce the four artists who were awarded bursaries.

Interview

18.04.17

Q&A with Ryan Hughes, Director of Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art

From 6 to 22 October this year Coventry will see its first Biennial of Contemporary Art. Annabel Clarke caught up with Ryan Hughes, Director of the Coventry Biennial of Contemporary Art and lead artist at Office for Art, Design and Technology to hear more about his plans for the Biennial, and their current crowdfunding campaign.

Engine News

13.04.17

Curatorial Research Group

Engine, in partnership with Eastside Projects and Grand Union, is looking to set up a Curatorial Research Group. The Group aims to investigate and to further develop contemporary curatorial research, as well as championing its development in the region and bringing together art workers across the West Midlands and beyond.

Media

12.04.17

Green and unpleasant land: UK countryside takes sinister twist in new exhibition

Compton Verney explores how artistic, social and political forces have shaped Britain’s relationship with rural landscape.

Feature

31.03.17

Longbridge Light Festival 2016: Shadow Factory

Watch a new video highlighting the light-based artworks commissioned for Longbridge Light Festival 2016.

Travel

31.03.17

Jonathan Harris: a Letter from Hong Kong

Jonathan Harris, Head of Birmingham School of Art, reflects on the geo-political contexts of Birmingham and Hong Kong

Media

31.03.17

Getting the best deal for culture as we leave the European Union

As Article 50 is triggered, Simon Mellor, Deputy CEO, Arts and Culture, Arts Council England, writes on their continued commitment to developing and supporting arts and culture in England and on an international stage.

News

17.03.17

Drafting a Visual Arts Strategy for the West Midlands

COMPLETE THE SURVEY to help us shape a regional strategy for the visual arts

Media

15.03.17

Making galleries autism friendly: an artist’s view on what needs to be done

Disabled artist Beth Davis-Hofbauer recently produced the self-initiated report, Autism Matters: Making Galleries and Museums ASD/SPD Friendly.

Travel

15.03.17

The Writer’s Bench: Mark Murphy in New York

Artist and designer Mark Murphy reflects on his recent trip to New York and the significance one special site has had on his practice.

Review

15.03.17

Sonia Boyce: Wallpaper/Performance Review

Esther Draycott reviews the recent event Wallpaper/Performance by Sonia Boyce at Eastside Projects and looks ahead to the next.

Media

15.03.17

Diversity is a white word

The superficial scramble for cultural diversity is not addressing the deep causes of exclusion and the power imbalance in the arts.

Media

15.03.17

Artists use work to fund pensions

The Artist Pension Trust (APT) uses work from professional artists as the basis for raising funds they can use to retire.

News

27.02.17

Micro Bursaries: The Awardees so Far

Read more about the 14 Micro Bursaries that Engine has awarded to artists and curators based in the region so far.

Engine Travel

22.02.17

Jenny Duffin Visits Manchester for Make:Shift and Maker Assembly

Creative Producer Jenny Duffin reports back from Make:Shift and Maker Assembly in Manchester. Her research was funded by a Micro Bursary.

Interview

22.02.17

Faye Claridge: Kern Baby Homecoming

View Kern Baby Homecoming, a new film from Warwickshire-based artist Faye Claridge on her Kern Baby project which toured between Compton Verney, Library of Birmingham and Northumberland.

Media

22.02.17

Arguing for Arts Professionals to Lobby West Midlands Mayoral Candidates

Photographer Jas Sansi argues for arts professionals to lobby West Midlands mayoral candidates to insure investment.

Media

22.02.17

So you want to be an artist? Then let the pros show you how it’s done

DBC Pierre wrote in a fever, Frank Turner dabbled in thrash and Nikki Amuka-Bird jumped off a cliff. Artists reveal how they got to the top – and how you can too.

Engine Travel

22.02.17

Duncan Poulton visits Berlin’s Transmediale 2017

Duncan Poulton reflects on his recent research visit to Transmediale festival in Berlin. His visit was part funded by the New Art West Midlands Engine Micro Bursary scheme.

News

17.02.17

New Art West Midlands 2017 Prizewinners Announced

Ten New Art West Midlands 2017 artists have been awarded with cash prizes and unique career development opportunities.

Media

15.02.17

How the art world airbrushed female artists from history

Figures compiled by the Guardian paint a dismal portrait of women artists exhibiting in major galleries, in the UK and abroad. But are things changing?

Feature

15.02.17

In Praise of Awkwardness

Ahead of next month’s Awkward Bastards II symposium at mac birmingham, Craig Ashley shares thoughts in praise of awkwardness and the creative case for diversity for our region and beyond.

Engine

15.02.17

Engine Studio Visits

In December we offered artists and curators living in the West Midlands the opportunity to apply to receive a studio visit from an arts professional. Nine artists from across the region have been selected.

Engine Travel

15.02.17

Leah Carless on her Research Trip to Aarhus

Leah Carless reflects on her recent research trip to Aarhus, Denmark, part funded by the New Art West Midlands Engine Micro Bursary scheme.

Interview

15.02.17

Q&A with Keith Harrison, Winner of Jerwood Open Forest 2016

Joyride is a new work being developed for Staffordshire’s Cannock Chase Forest by West Bromwich-born Keith Harrison. We interview the artist.

Interview

15.02.17

A Q&A with Jonathon Harris, Curator of Diegetic Life at Fringe Arts Bath

Jonathon Harris is preparing to curate his most ambitious exhibition to date at Fringe Arts Bath. Anneka French finds out more.

Interview

15.02.17

Q&A with Hardeep Pandhal



A new body of work by Hardeep Pandhal is the subject of a current solo exhibition at Eastside Projects titled Nightmare on BAME Street. Anneka French finds out more.

Media

14.02.17

Artist to exhibit prints created on original Spode press at old Stoke factory

Artist Nicola Winstanley is to showcase her prints made on an old pottery’s firm original press – at the former factory site undergoing.

Media

14.02.17

Arts Council prepares to fund an additional 216 NPOs from 2018

As many as 900 arts organisations and museums could be admitted into the national portfolio in the next funding round.

Interview

12.02.17

A Q&A with Ampersand Projects and Justin Wiggan



Ampersand Projects’ Co-Directors Matt and Kate Andrews and artist Justin Wiggan discuss the aspirations and impacts of Green Lungs with Anneka French.

Travel

11.02.17

James Lomax on the North East of England

Artist James Lomax, recent recipient of a New Art West Midlands Engine Micro Bursary, visited the North East of England on a research trip last month.

Media

10.02.17

How crafts workers are learning to sell their work

Birmingham artists Theresa Nguyen and Craig and Rebecca Struthers featured in this article about business skills and selling craft.