Visitors can now view Birmingham Open 2026 art exhibition that showcases emerging artists. They can also help pick the public vote winner.
Central BID has partnered with organiser Colmore Life and International Day of Birmingham to see the return of the open art competition exhibition for its third year.
More than 150 artists entered this year’s competition with a theme of Birmingham and visitors to the city centre can see the results for free in Victoria Square and Snow Hill Square until Wednesday September 30.
The public can also help decide the People’s Choice Award winner. Voting is open until the exhibition closes. Visitors can cast their vote by scanning a QR code at the Snow Hill Square exhibition.
The People’s Choice winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, a portfolio review and further exhibition opportunities.
Artwork ranges from photography to printmaking, illustration, painting and mixed media. The aim of involving International Day of Birmingham was to put the city’s stories, people, culture and global connections at the heart of the exhibition.
Sam Watson, Chair of Central BID said: “We are proud to be a co-founder of the Birmingham Open art competition, which is part of Central BID’s on-going commitment to delivering an ‘always on’ art trail throughout the city centre, celebrating local artists and creative businesses.”
While the public get to vote on their own winner for this year, an independent judging panel picked their first choice as Kelly Hadley for photograph ‘A Birmingham Patchwork’, winning a £2,000 cash prize, a professional portfolio review and inclusion in future exhibition opportunities.
The Highly Commended prize has been awarded to Kate Wolf for linocut print Wentworth Road Flats. Kate, a self-taught artist from Colorado in America, who now lives and works in Birmingham, also receives a portfolio review and a £1,000 cash prize.
Ruth Millington, art historian and curator of Birmingham Open 26, said: “The judging panel was presented with an exciting range of responses to the brief. Kelly’s winning work stood out for its artistic confidence, originality and ability to engage viewers, while Kate’s print demonstrated outstanding technical skill and a powerful sense of storytelling.”
Find out more about visiting Birmingham Open 26 in our events section here.