Beholder at BOM
In partnership with the London art collective United Visual Artists (or UVA), BOM is pleased to announce its new exhibition Beholder. This new exhibition is an exciting beginning for the museums re-opening. By using virtual reality, Beholder hopes to utilise the experience of UVA founder Matt Clark’s autistic son Oliver, to question each of our personal experiences of the world. Beholder’s set hopes to emulate the tranquillity of nature, whilst our perceptions of time and space are to be warped. UVA are known for using various mediums of technology throughout their work, challenging traditional art forms and creating innovative new ways of exploring the human psyche.
Thu 4^th Oct – Sat 8^th Dec at Birmingham Open Media, 1 Dudley St, Birmingham B5 4EG. Open Tues – Sat 12-5pm. Free. www.bom.org.uk/

Museums at Night
The much anticipated museums at night festival will be opening its many doors again this year, and will not disappoint. From the 25-27^th October, an array of Birmingham’s cultural and heritage institutions will be open late to promise a truly magical, bewitching experience. From a candlelit tour of Birmingham’s gloriously creepy coffin works to a night of ‘Algorave’ music (that’s algorithm and rave combined) at Digbeth’s Vivid Projects, there is a true mixture of events this month. Make sure you don’t miss out! Check out their website for more info on the events.
Thu 25^th – Sat 27^th Oct at various venues across Birmingham. Various times. Prices vary, check the website for individual events. museumsatnight.org.uk/

Creating the Spectacle Immersed in 360 at mac
The central focus of Sue Austin’s art is the use of her wheelchair. By fusing together multimedia, installation and photography, Austin wishes to use Creating the Spectacle as a way of rethinking how we look at disability. The powerful imagery of her underwater wheelchair is dangerous yet captivating; this exhibition promises to be highly engaging and thought provoking.
Sat 22^nd Sep – Sun 25^th Nov at Midlands Art Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH. Open every day 11am-5pm. Free. macbirmingham.co.uk/

Travis Alabanza at Birmingham University
In celebration of this years Black History Month, the University of Birmingham will be opening its doors to the esteemed poet and performer Travis Alabanza. Exploring what it is to be non-binary, black and queer, Alabanza’s work is as beautiful as it is poignant and especially relevant. Alabanza is one of the most exciting artists around right now, holding both national and international prestige.
Tues 9^th Oct, at Guild of Students (room tbc, check website), University of Birmingham, Edgabston, Birmingham, B15 2TT. 5-7pm. Free. birminghamblackhistorymonth.co.uk/

Birmingham Black History Month
Alongside Alabanza, Birmingham will be hosting an array of cultural events to honour this year’s black history month. This year’s calendar includes an art show by ArtsFro at the Arch 24 café bar which will boast a mixture of art from fine jewellery to wall art and clothing. There will be a variety of music events including swing bands and reggae performances, as well as an exciting performance by Soul II Soul at the Town Hall. A majority of the events are free, so there’s something for everyone!
Various dates across October at various venues in Birmingham. Check the website for prices and information. birminghamblackhistorymonth.co.uk/