Affairs of the arts

Birmingham has a tradition of bringing the best art to its residents and visitors. Not only that but we also have three excellent universities - Aston University, Birmingham University and City University which mean that Birmingham is bulging with talented people, waiting to exhibit their wonderful works.

Take the Jewellery Quarter for instance. This area dates back hundreds of years and is steeped in a history of fine jewellery makers and exhibitors. Many of our students set up small businesses here or get apprenticeships at established outlets. You can wander down to the Jewellery Quarter and watch the jewellery makers practicing their craft; it really is an inspiring sight.

For many, a trip to Birmingham isn't complete without a visit to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) where the old breathes life into the new. Fabulous ancient tapestries including The Quest for the Holy Grail hang alongside more contemporary works giving the viewer an appreciation of craftsmanship as well as a sense of history.

Hot on the heels of the BMAG is the Ikon Gallery, an impressive modern gallery contained within the neo-gothic surroundings of a former Birmingham boarding school. The gallery thrives on a culture of multi-media displays which capture moments in time and freeze frame artists' ideas for the contemplation of the viewer.