The eyes of the art world will be on Birmingham in November when the city plays host to a ground-breaking, major arts event.
Art of Ideas, hosted this year by artist, writer and TV broadcaster Matthew Collings, is a project instigated by Arts Council England West Midlands, led by Arts & Business, that will be a four-day event focusing on the cultural life of Birmingham, specifically the idea of contemporary art collecting, collections and collectors.
The event, taking place between November 11 and 14, includes a four-day curated group exhibition at Waterhall Gallery in Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and will showcase artists from the West Midlands region including Hurvin Anderson, Richard Billingham and Gillian Wearing.
The exhibition, which will have the theme of ‘the Witching Hour’ will feature photography, painting, sculpture, printmaking, film, animation and installation. It will explore darkness and the uncanny in the work of more than 20 artists from, or based in, Birmingham and the West Midlands.
A series of satellite events will also take place during four days involving partner arts organisations - Grand Union, Ikon Gallery, MAC, New Art Gallery Walsall and Wolverhampton Art Gallery. All activities will celebrate the visual arts in Birmingham and will be hosted by project partners and leading venues. Art of Ideas is supported by and works in partnership with Birmingham City University and Business Link West Midlands.
In addition to the events, a special edition magazine focused exclusively on collecting, collections and collectors will be launched. The publication will have a regional emphasis within the wider context of the national and international art markets.
Matt Price, co-curator of the Witching Hour exhibition and editor of the publication, said:
“The Art of Ideas publication is designed to encourage more people to start collecting contemporary art in the city and region. With its supernatural theme, The Witching Hour exhibition offers an opportunity for people who are interested in collecting art - whether individuals, businesses or arts institutions - to see and acquire works by leading and emerging artists from the West Midlands.”
Gavin Buckley, Director of English Regions and Regional Director, Midlands at Arts & Business, said: “Arts & Business is delighted to be working with Arts Council England on Art of Ideas. Together we hope to make great art accessible to all. Whether you are new to collecting or have many years experience, we are sure Art of Ideas will both excite and inspire.
“Through a series of varied events we are working with some fantastic artists whose work will be on display and available for sale. We live in a region rich in talent and I hope the exhibition, magazine and events provide interest and inspiration for many.”
For more information on Art of Ideas go to www.visualforbusiness.com
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