City News

Details of the second New Art Birmingham festival have been announced, promising to maintain its reputation as the Midlands’ largest visual arts festival with four days of events showcasing the UK’s best emerging visual artists.

From March 15-18, New Art Birmingham 2007 will exhibit the work of more than 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, printmakers and digital media artists. 

60 artists will exhibit their work at a flourishing Art Market to be held at Curzon Street Station, one of Birmingham’s most important Victorian buildings. The market will give art lovers access to affordable contemporary work by new and emerging artists, with the chance to buy and commission work directly from them. 

Art Market will feature many renowned Midlands’ based artists who will be submitting new work, including top portrait artist Stephen Earl Rogers, photographer Stuart Whipps, and leading artist collectives Periscope and Outcrowd. 

Stephen Earl Rogers has exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery, while Stuart Whipps was awarded first prize in the prestigious Observer Hodge Photographic Award in 2006 for his photo set depicting the downfall of the Longbridge car plant. 

A series of associated events will be held simultaneously at venues across the region, including Ikon Gallery, New Art Gallery Walsall, Midlands Arts Centre, The Lighthouse in Wolverhampton, and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. 

Commenting on his involvement in Art Market, Stephen Earl Rogers, said:
“As an artist who took part in NAB in 2005, I found it to be a very effective way of reaching a Midlands audience.  I sold work and raised my profile, which is exactly what I hoped to get out of the event.  I am very glad that these kinds of initiatives continue to happen because they represent real opportunities for artists.  It is making an impact and that has to be a good thing for anyone making art in this city.”  

Nicola Shipley, co-project manager of New Art Birmingham 2007, commented:
“Birmingham continues to grow as a place where artists and art lovers come to produce and view some of the most innovative contemporary art in the country.  It will be an exciting challenge to build on the foundations set by the first New Art Birmingham by promoting and celebrating emerging visual artists in this country.”

Susan McNally, co-project manager, continued: “The range of events this year is so diverse, from the massive Art Market to the involvement of high profile venues such as Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and New Art Gallery Walsall.  There is something for everyone with an interest in art, at a price most of us can afford."

For detailed listings, participating artists and venues at New Art Birmingham 2007, visit www.urban-fusion.info/nab or phone 0121 464 8555.