Birmingham’s independent art scene takes over Digbeth with unique and engaging exhibition.
Digbeth Arts Market are excited to be launching their pioneering Art & Design Exhibition to the public November 18. Digbeth Arts Market will launch its first exhibition at the iconic Zellig and partnering independent cafe, Cranked Café and will showcase up and coming, and award winning artistic talent in a non-commercial environment, with the opportunity for art to be purchased and commissioned upon request. The private preview event will provide drinks and light snacks to guests with doors opening at 16:30 and closing at 20:30. The Digbeth Art & Design Exhibition will finish on December 8th.
The idea for the exhibition was the brainchild of Kay Fisher, Founder of Digbeth Arts Market who stated, “Many artists and designers work in isolation and have little funds to promote their work. That’s where DAM comes in. Now in Birmingham artists are being charged weekly rent and high commission rates to sell their work in pop-up shops, is this right? I ask myself, no, no it’s not so I started to do something about it”.
Digbeth Arts Market has grown organically since its establishment in 2016, and has grown into a loyal community of over 500 artists, designers and makers including award-winning creative designer Amrit Singh, Tom Wilson and Yujiro Suzuki. Digbeth Arts Market is not just a market, it’s an opportunity for the public to engage with artists and designers, allowing them to work together in creating bespoke commission pieces and supporting Birmingham’s independent art scene.
There is an increasing demand for unique, unconventional and innovative experiences and offerings in the city as evident in the rise of its street food culture, however, not enough is being done by the government or private institutions to accommodate this. DAM’s philosophy is about creating these experiences to support this important community of artists and designers by giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents without the commercial pressures associated with the private sector.
In an effort to support her community, Kay Fisher has not charged any artists or designers to take part in the exhibition and is providing them with a platform to self promote their work to a wider audience, while covering the costs to promote and organise the exhibition herself.
In addition to Digbeth Arts Market’s support, Fisher has bolstered support for the exhibition from local bloggers, radio shows, newspapers, PR consultants, property firms such as Zellig and has secured a partnership with Google’s Digital Garage all backing the launch and exhibition.
