A special outdoor exhibition celebrating Black History Month 2026 takes over Birmingham’s Snow Hill Square this October.

A partnership between Colmore Life and Birmingham City University’s School of Arts, the exhibition explores the theme of Black Culture, highlighting a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and artistic approaches.

Running from Thu 1 Oct – Sat 31 Oct, the free public exhibition will showcase a selection of original designs in a range of formats – including photography, collage, illustration, printmaking and painting – all created by students from BCU’s School of Arts.

Students were encouraged to respond to the theme with their own personal stories, cultural influences, and community connections, as well as incorporate the character of Birmingham.

In total, 13 artworks were selected for inclusion by an independent judging panel following Birmingham City University’s MAVC Work in Progress Show.

Credit: Tara Obaidy

From this shortlist, winning and highly commended artists were chosen, receiving cash prizes of £200 and £100 respectively. Winners will be officially announced next month as part of the exhibition programme

Tara Obaidy, an MA Visual Communication student at BCU, welcomed the opportunity to celebrate the city’s diversity.

“As a multicultural city, it is incredibly important for Birmingham to have an exhibition for Black History Month,” she said.

“We are so lucky to have so many backgrounds and perspectives in the city, and everyone has their own story to tell.

“We need to work hard to keep celebrating what makes us and our cultures unique, and how they contribute to our lovely city.”

Joe Richmond, whose work is also featured in the exhibition, highlighted how the exhibition’s busy Snow Hill Square location will allow commuters and visitors to engage with the artwork and reflect on the theme.

“There is something really special about the fact that the exhibition is in a free-to-access public space, as I strongly believe that art and creativity should be shared with everyone, especially when it’s a celebration of community,” he said.

“It’s quite surreal and a genuine honour to be a part of an exhibition that’s not only celebrating something so incredibly important but is also located in the city that I’ve spent my life in.”

Featured image: ‘Triplets’ by Bolin Qian