University News Last updated 30 September
Bringing together creativity, culture and community, Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Arts is celebrating Black History Month 2026 with a special outdoor exhibition, in partnership with Colmore Life.
The free public event will be displayed in Birmingham’s Snow Hill Square, showcasing a selection of original designs created by students exploring the theme of Black Culture.
Highlighting a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and artistic approaches, the designs aim to encourage conversation and celebrate Birmingham’s communities and creative talent.
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.”
Tara found that preparing for the exhibition has made her feel more confident as she takes the first steps into her career.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to have my work featured in this exhibition,” she said.
“Before I started my Master’s course, I never would have imagined my work in a public space or an exhibition.
“My course has opened the door to various opportunities such as this one, as well as other professional briefs and collaborations with companies.
“At the heart of it was my lecturers, pushing me to overcome my anxieties and inspiring me to think bigger.”
Students responded to the theme of Black Culture from their own unique perspectives, celebrating the vibrant character of Birmingham through a range of mediums including photography, collage, illustration, printmaking and painting.
Andrew Kulman, Course Leader for MA Visual Communication and Professor of Graphic Art at BCU, believes that the impact of this exhibition will be considerable.
“The rapidly changing cultural landscape of Birmingham and its environs means students need to adapt and respond creatively to new challenges,” he said.
“Students leaving our art and design courses are trained to use their imagination and communication skills to tell a convincing story about these changes.”
The free outdoor exhibition will be open for visitors to attend from 1 to 31 October. Find out more on the Colmore Life website.
Artwork in image by Tara Obaidy.