BEAT STREULI – NEW STREET @ikongallery

Ikon presents a new exhibition in collaboration with EACC Castellón, exhibiting the work of Swiss artist Beat Streuli. By exhibiting at Ikon in group shows and off-site projects since 2001, Streuli has developed an on-going relationship with the gallery.

40 ARTISTS / 30 FRAMES / 3 MONTHS @FRAME_brum

Getting art out of the galleries and in to the wider public sphere is a challenge that curator Elly Clarke has taken on for the next 3 months.

GASTRONOMIC GIFTS

Options for fine dining in Midlands this Christmas are endless. But what about regional foodie treats for underneath the Christmas tree? Here are some alternative edible gift ideas with a distinctively Birmingham and Black Country twist. There’s not a tired old jar of chutney or jumbo tin of Quality Street in sight…

Xmas Shopping

Stuck for ideas for what to buy your nearest and dearest? Well, look no further and read this guide on the best places to go to find that special gift for Christmas. We want this phone (£29) for our office from Red Candy if anyone is buying…

REVIEW: Orbital, 9.12.12 @o2academybham

Anticipations heighten in the darkened Birmingham Academy, as hums break through the silence, preparing for the on course of a rave revival. Four torch lights slowly push forwards into focus – the duo’s iconic headlamp glasses – overwhelming the intoxicated people in front of me, who were already bobbing effortlessly to the continual introductory tones.

DESIGN SPACE FESTIVE POP-UP

Festive pop-up shop Number 22 will showcase the first jewellery and giftware collections of 12 up-and-coming designer makers from the Design Space. Specialising in handmade, beautifully-finished, limited-edition pieces the shop is part of a unique scheme managed by Birmingham City Council that provides business support and workshop space to emerging jewellers.

BARBARA NICE’S COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

With extensive touring experience and a stack of TV and radio appearances behind her – notably in Peter Kay’s comedy vehicles Phoenix Nights and Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere – Barbara Nice has become a familiar face on the UK’s independent comedy circuit, not to mention securing a top spot as one of Birmingham’s most popular comperes and hostesses.

Win a £250 DWELL voucher

Our favorite High Street furniture retailer, dwell, is opening a new store at the Bullring in Birmingham later this month. The new store will become the 24th for the eclectic retailer who already has stores in Solihull and Fort Dunlop.

December Gigs Coming Up

Gigs coming up this month… inc: Mumford & Sons, Cerys by Candlelight, The Black Keys, The Hives….

December Christmas Listings

It’s oh so cold but we’re ready for a month of fun. It didn’t take us long to get in the festive spirit when we found out what the region has to offer us during this wonderful time of year. There’s Christmas markets, carol concerts, pantos and workshops aplenty to keep your holiday cheer up during December (illustration by Nicola Palmer) .