United Artists of South Birmingham: 2025 Year in Review
As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been a remarkable and creative year for United Artists of South Birmingham. 2025 has been shaped by collaboration, community and the shared energy of local artists coming together. From busy markets to growing exhibitions and new initiatives, the year has shown how powerful grassroots creativity can be when people support one another.
Kings Heath Monthly Art Market
Graham Langley - Market Coordinator
The Kings Heath Monthly Art Market has continued to thrive under the steady coordination of Graham Langley, supported by the stallholders who help bring each event to life. All Saints Centre has once again become a lively hub of colour, conversation and creativity, attracting visitors from across the area to discover paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery and more. The market has firmly established itself as a space for connection, where people can meet the artists behind the work and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Mayuri & Kevin Hargest - Hargest Creative
Kings Heath Community Centre partnership
A highlight this autumn was our special November art market in partnership with Kings Heath Community Centre. This event celebrated creativity and local makers while supporting the centre during an important moment in its history. The community centre has recently transferred from council ownership to community ownership and has launched a 150,000 pound community share offer to support its future. We were pleased to be part of their launch celebrations and hope to explore further opportunities with the centre next year as it continues to grow as a vibrant hub for residents and creatives.
The Kings Heath Art Market now takes a natural break for winter. Our first market of 2026 will take place on Saturday 21 March, marking the start of a new season of creative activity. Full dates for the year will be available on the website.
Kings Heath ArtsFest
ArtsFest UASB Group show organised by: Emma Woolley, Martine 'Tiggy' Wesley-Worrall, Sam Weeks and Tara Harris
Over the May Bank Holiday weekend, UASB proudly took part in the first ever Kings Heath ArtsFest, presenting our biggest group exhibition to date. With 44 artists contributing painting, photography, textiles and mixed media, the showcase at All Saints Centre was a vibrant celebration of local talent.
The exhibition welcomed hundreds of visitors across the three days. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with artists supporting and inspiring one another throughout the event. Feedback from visitors praised the inclusivity, energy and diversity of the work on display.
ArtsFest was supported by the Youth Investment Fund, Enjoy Kings Heath and BIMM University, and brought together live music, workshops and community engagement in a lively weekend that set a positive benchmark for local creative events.
Art in the Heath
Art In The Heath 2025 Flagship Project organised by UASB
Summer brought the return of Art in the Heath, a large exhibition trail connecting 27 artists with 14 independent shops across Kings Heath. This year’s participating artists were: Arlene Adams, Kat Bennett, Natalie Farren, Paul Evans, Cheryl Homer, Tara Harris, Sharon Phillips, Marta Pieroni, Monique Poirier, Brian Prangle, Hannah Pugh, Janice Rider, Mitch Schofield, Cinzia Scafetta, Paul Seven, Hannah Smith, Sarmite Lasmane, Maggie Leaver, Yevheniia Mikheenko, Natalie Mills, Shaun Morris, Paul Newman, Russ Sargeant, Sonal Gajbe, Martine ‘Tiggy’ Wesley-Worrall, Sam Weeks and Emma Woolley.
The trail was hosted by the following local independent shops and venues:
The Book Tower, The Early Bird Bakery, Fletchers Bar and Eatery, Sakamoto Hair, The New Photo Company, ENKI, • nook • gallery and studios, Seesaw, The Heath Bookshop, Grace + James, HOP & SCOTCH, How Brave is the Wren, Harvest and The Juke.
Maggie Leaver and Shaun Morris
Art in the Heath brought new audiences into independent spaces, strengthened relationships across the neighbourhood and highlighted the power of placing art directly into the heart of our community.
Tara Harris
The Backroom Art Gallery
The Backroom Art Gallery (TBAG) at the Kitchen Garden Café has continued to grow under the direction of Janice Rider and Shaun Morris. The space has become a trusted platform for local artists to show their work in a friendly, accessible environment.
Janice Rider
Alongside the regular programme of exhibitions, a solo show by Janette Bushell was also organised this autumn, adding an extra layer of variety and giving space for a dedicated body of collage work to be shared with the community.
This winter, TBAG hosts its newest exhibition from 4 December to 31 January, featuring work from a range of UASB artists. The private view takes place on Saturday 6 December from 4 to 6pm, and everyone is welcome to attend and support the artists involved.
Draw Each Other Brum
A newer initiative on the UASB landscape, Draw Each Other Brum, led by Tom Ledger and supported by Sarah Tomlinson, has quickly become a much loved, regular meet up at Fletchers Bar and Eatery. These relaxed drawing sessions give artists of all levels the chance to sketch, connect and enjoy creative time together. Its simplicity and friendliness have made it a valued part of our growing network.
Drawing Together at nook gallery
The UASB community
This year has reminded us how important it is to stay connected, both creatively and socially. Our community has continued to grow across our platforms and through the events we run, and it has been encouraging to welcome new faces alongside long standing members. We also recognise that artists balance work, family and creative practice, which naturally affects how often people can join in.
Paul Newman
With this in mind, our community meetings will move to a quarterly format in the new year to make them more focused, meaningful and easier to plan. Social meet ups will continue whenever possible, kept flexible so everyone can join when life allows. You can stay connected through our Instagram, Facebook group, WhatsApp and the UASB website.
Looking ahead to 2026
As we move into a new year, our focus remains on creativity, collaboration and community spirit. Every project this year has been made possible because of the volunteers, artists and supporters who give their time, energy and enthusiasm.
We wish everyone a peaceful festive season and a joyful start to the new year. Thank you for being part of UASB. Here’s to 2026, a year full of opportunity, creativity and connection across South Birmingham.
Thank you
The UASB Team x
