Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces

16/07/2026

Great news, Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces have been appointed cultural producers, bringing a vibrant programme of acts to Champions Square (Centenary Square) - the Fan Zone for Birmingham 2026: European Athletics Championships .

The Free to access cultural fan zone will be in Champions Square (Centenary Square) from 13-16 August.

OPUS are calling for artists, performers and cultural organisations to get involved in the culture programme that will be funded through Birmingham City Council’s Together on Culture Magnets and Moonshots programme.

Open call details can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflUe-UPy6J_R4kUSE5kgn1ro4uVnP42yd9sqjc8wEITLVphQ/viewform

14/07/2026

📣CALLING ALL PERFORMERS📣

Four days of live sport, entertainment and culture will take place in the heart of the city this summer - and you can be a part of it.

This August, the energy of Alexander Stadium will extend into the city centre, as the Birmingham 2026: European Athletics Championships will stage a Fan Zone at Centenary Square, which will become Champions Square from 13-16 August.

Champions Square will create a vibrant festival atmosphere in the heart of Birmingham, bringing together sport and culture in a celebration of the city's creativity, energy and community spirit. Open to all and free to attend, it's the perfect place for families, friends, visitors and local communities to be part of the action.

We are pleased to announce Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS) have been appointed to curate the four-day Cultural Programme in Champions Square and today are launching an Open Call inviting artists, creatives and cultural organisations to be part of this unique celebration.

The programme, funded by Birmingham City Council's Together on Culture Magnets and Moonshots programme, is seeking high-energy outdoor performances - from DJs and dance groups, to roaming acts and movement workshops.

🔵To apply: link in comments for more info

🟣Deadline: 23:59, Monday 20 July 2026.

📸 India Island, Birmingham 2022 Queens Baton Relay Homecoming, captured by Rebecca Limm

23/06/2026

17/06/2026

📢 Expression of Interest - Opportunity to contribute Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 cultural programme

Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 (IG27) is developing a vibrant cultural programme that will sit alongside the world-class international sporting competition, creating opportunities for audiences to experience creativity, celebration and connection throughout the Games, taking place 10-17 July 2027. Alongside the sporting competition, the cultural programme will create spaces for people to connect through creativity and gain a deeper understanding of the stories, experiences and contributions of the international Armed Forces community.

Culture Central, Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces (OPUS) and arts consultant Amy Dalton-Hardy have been commissioned by Invictus Games 2027 to shape and deliver a culture and arts strategy, which will aim to showcase the breadth and diversity of artistic talent across Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond in the Games festival programme. The development of the culture and arts strategy has been supported using public funding from Arts Council England.

Over the last few weeks we have consulted with over 100 artists and cultural organisations as well as other stakeholders and Armed Forces Charities. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who attended and shared your excitement, ambitions and ideas with us.

We are now seeking expressions of interest from artists, performers, companies and creatives working across a range of disciplines who are interested in contributing to this ambitious and inclusive programme. As part of a broader festival programme, we are currently exploring work responding to themes RECOVERY, RESILIENCE, RECONNECTION that are joyful and optimistic in tone.

At this stage, we are scoping a range of opportunities that can be included in a broad and ambitious arts and culture programme.

Please note this form is an expression of interest only, and does not guarantee confirmation of festival programming. There are limited funds currently available for the arts and culture programme but there are also other strategic and alignment possibilities so the team are interested to hear the full spectrum of your ideas – IP remains yours and shared in the spirit of good will and collaboration.

Submit your expression of interest by 30 June 2026, 5pm here: https://forms.gle/gLBqJQx5z5mB8hLX6

Image: Light is Coming (c) Verity Milligan

31/03/2026

Looking for a unique day out this spring? Experience Sky Gardens at Birmingham Botanical Gardens!

A relaxing day out for all the family in the heart of Birmingham surrounded by nature, take precious time to unwind and let the sky become your entertainment - find out more below 👇

Feat. Cloudscapes by Gobbledegook Theatre Lorna Rees, cloud gazing, family activities, spring blooms and more!

13/01/2026

✨ Birmingham Light Festival is back! ✨

From 12–15 Feb 2026, the city centre will glow with 13 dazzling light installations and 50+ exciting events.

📍 Across Birmingham city
💡 Full programme: https://lnkd.in/ecqRKbQs
Birmingham Light Festival

Stunning illuminated artworks will take over the streets, squares and public spaces, giving festival-goers new opportunities to fall in love with the city this Valentine’s weekend:

🔸 FORGED, presented by Bullring Birmingham and produced by Birmingham Hippodrome and OPUS
🔸 The Heartbeat of Brindleyplace by idontloveyouanymore
🔸 Tipping Point, by Luke Jerram presented by Birmingham Botanical Gardens
🔸 Silly Statues x Silent Disco by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces
🔸 Firefly Field by Studio Toer
🔸 The Look of Love: All Eyes on B:Music by Designs In Air Ltd
🔸 Reunion by Kumquat Lab
🔸 Our Beating Heart by Studio Vertigo
🔸 My Heart Belongs in Birmingham by NeonCow
🔸 New Legacy piece! - Where the Trees Begin by Richard O'Gorman, which joins our 2025 legacy pieces, Alright Bab!, Roof of Stars and Ideas Happen Here.

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A huge thank you to everyone who has come together to create this incredible programme, with particular thanks to our supporters:
Colmore Business District, Central BID Birmingham The Jewellery Quarter BID Westside BID Southside, Birmingham Edgbaston Village, Bullring, Mailbox Birmingham, Birmingham City University, Network Rail, Birmingham City Council, Squire Patton Boggs, FleetMilne, United By 2022 Charity

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Birmingham Light Festival is a City Curator Project, a role fully funded by Colmore BID. It was established and brought to life for the first time in 2025 with thanks to the full support of all five city-centre BIDs. OPUS are the producers of Birmingham Light Festival.

12/11/2025

Birmingham Light Festival is running an open call for Events as part of the 2026 programme 👇

Expressions of interest are sought from organisations who are interested in programming in response to light. By that we mean, planning and delivering an event or offer that responds in some way to the theme of light.

What could that look like?

⭐A local art gallery and might want to organise a late event themed around light.

⭐A local creative organisation might programme a family craft workshop focused on shadow puppets.

⭐A local business with a city-centre base might use this opportunity to temporarily light their building differently.

⭐A local restaurant might deliver an exclusive candle-lit dining experience.

⭐A local bar might put in a special drinks menu inspired by light.

⭐A local leisure facility may host immersively lit yoga (or similar) sessions.

⭐A local academic institution hosting a workshop or talk about light.

Just a few examples!
For more info: https://www.birminghamlightfestival.co.uk/news/2026-open-call

Deadline: 21st November

Pictured: Two of last year's events from City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Ikon Gallery, captured by Irina Mackie

06/11/2025

What dreamy photos from last week's Space To Be - Unplugged!

Space to Be is a unique offline experience (which, yes, we're ironically sharing online!) that invites you to leave the noise and digital world at the door. Step into autumn and into the joy of slowing down, reconnecting. Be still, create, play.

Our MD, Caroline, has been mentoring Lydia who has created Space To Be as part of National Trust's Space and Time programme. We've loved seeing how Lydia's vision for an offline event promoting reconnection and presence has come to life.

If you missed it, fear not - Space to Be's next event is this weekend!

Saturday 8th November
6-10pm
National Trust Charterhouse, Coventry
Ticket link in comments

6-8pm Lena the Harpist
8-10pm Juniper Folk

Cosy Crafts | Board Game cafe | Typewriter letter writing | Records | Journaling Corners | and more!

30/10/2025

We are jumping for joy that BIRMINGHAM LIGHT FESTIVAL IS BACK!

Save the dates: 12–15 February 2026.

Birmingham’s city centre will once again be transformed into a spectacular gallery of illuminated artworks as Birmingham Light Festival returns! Following the incredible success of its inaugural year, the Festival will build on that momentum with even more city spaces brought to life through light!

Plus, find out how you get involved by visiting the news page of our website for details of our two Open Calls.

Huge thanks to everyone making this possible - our amazing Founding Partners, Festival Supporters, and Artwork Sponsors:

👉 Founding Partners: Colmore Business District Southside, Birmingham Central BID Birmingham The Jewellery Quarter BID Westside BID
👉 Festival Supporters: Bullring Birmingham, Edgbaston Village, Mailbox Birmingham United By 2022 Birmingham City Council
👉 Artwork Sponsors: Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Middlemarch
👉 With thanks also to Squire Patton Boggs

Birmingham Light Festival is a City Curator project produced by Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces.

Photo by Lensi Photography

Find out more: https://www.birminghamlightfestival.co.uk/home