I think the best word to describe the Eastside Projects is probably esoteric - which obviously…read moremakes it a toughie to write about. However, it's a lovely space and a lovely concept so I will try...Based just down the road from the altogether different Air nightclub and not far from The Custard Factory, Eastside Projects is an exhibition space that hosts and commisions experimental contemporary art exhibitions as well as a kind of collective that looks at ways in which art may be useful to society. Or as their website and rather beautiful user manual (copies of which are available in the gallery and are well worth picking up) puts it "EP is a questioning structure that in turn produces more questions and also, of course, possible answers. Our ambition is to incorporate the methodologies of art-making at all scales and functions of the organisation.We believe in working collaboratively towards change and do so to support the cultural growth of Birmingham. We do not make art for the public. We are the public that makes art. The artist run space is not a stop gap. The artist run space is a public good." As well as regular exhibitions they hold lunch time talks and are one of the stops on the Art Bus route - they also have an amazing office - a piece of artwork originally commisioned for the 2007 Venice Biennale and created by Heather & Ivan Morison and that has been transformed into a space that holds a desk, shelving and a kitchen.

I often go to the Custard Factory to for a range of events or to buy vintage clothing. So when I…read morefirst heard about the Eastside Project, which is around the block, I was excited to go and view it as everything about this little corner of Birmingham oozes creativity and independence. This large exhibition space has been utilized by a group of artists to offer people like you and me an opportunity to experience contemporary art at its finest. What I like most about this place is that it continually encourages both new and old artists and creative people with a vision, to experiment with new ideas and get involved with utilizing the exhibition space. Alongside the art exhibitions, they also run a number of events which tend be an opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing. Definitely worth checking out if you're passionate about making your mark on the industry.

Grand Union is an artists' studios and gallery space located in the Minerva Works complex in…read moreDigbeth. At the heart of Birmingham's artistic community, Grand Union hosts a programme of free public exhibitions, talks, workshops, screenings and other events throughout the year. The artists' studios are home to some of the best-known Birmingham-based artists and are opened up periodically so that people can visit and get a glimpse into the artists' individual working spaces. The Minerva Works complex which houses Grand Union has become a real hub of activity during Digbeth First Fridays. Also located in this complex are Vivid Projects, Centrala and Stryx, which all have busy programmes. There's also a printers, graphic designers and an art supplies shop.

Grand Union is an art collective that has 8 studios and a project space for exhibitions and events…read more As I share a studio in the same building (Minerva Works) I often see them putting together projects and while some of the exhibitions they have might seem a bit left field they are certainly trying something new and bringing diversity to the industrial backdrop of Digbeth. As it is a non profit organisation they are always keen to have people help out. If you would like to get involved you should check out their website and drop them a line. It is definitely something different and interesting and I recommend supporting it even if everything they do might not be to your taste.

Time Art Gallery in Solihull is a great addition to the Touchwood Shopping centre!…read more Located on the ground floor between Superdry and H&M, they offer a superb service and inspiring eye catching artwork on display. The images are all hand painted and then reproduced as prints or onto a canvass, and the genres cover sectors such as movies, music, cities and even a Volkswagen inspired range. The paintings are of such high quality, you have to look again! They have everything from Bob Marley to Madonna, Oasis to The Wanted, Amy Whinehouse to the Beattles. I liked the large canvass of the Joker. The great exceptional service which they offer includes having your own photo reproduced onto a canvass, from £20 for a 10"x10" upto a large 20"x40". You can email your picture in ( info@timeart.co.uk or adztimeart@gmail.com ), send it via text, MMS, take in a cd or dvd, or even an actual photo for them to scan in! They'll advise on the best suitable size depending on the quality of your image, and the canvass is produced to such a high quality with mounts, I was very pleased with my pictures. Also on display are paintings produced by local artists of Moulin Rouge, Paris, Butterflies, poppies etc hand painted directly onto canvass which were stunning! They currently have a sale on of upto 50% off for canvass printing, and they are usually ready within an hour. So what are you waiting for?....

Over the past three decades we have purchased two water colour paintings by George Sheridan Knowles…read morefrom David Gilbert at the Driffold Gallery, Sutton Coldfield and we are still extremely pleased with them. David, over the course of many years, has valued many of our paintings and given us expert advice and his time quite freely when required. We have subsequently purchased other paintings from the gallery. We highly recommend this gallery.

I cannot speak highly enough about Park View Gallery! Over a…read morefew years I have had a number of pictures framed by Roger and have always been thrilled with the results. He instinctively knows which colours and frames will be best for your picture and, while he offers advice, he never puts pressure to influence your choice. He is always welcoming and helpful and I look forward to my visits. I am amazed at how his frames enhance what I have produced. It's hard to beat having your work professionally framed by someone with Roger's skill and expertise. It's worth every penny! I have just left two more pictures for him and can't wait to go and pick them up in a couple of weeks time!

Park View Gallery is a picture framers and gallery on the corner of Avenue and Vicarage Road…read more Not only does Park View offer a bespoke picture framing service but also exhibits the work of local and national artists in a wide range of mediums including paintings, photography, jewellery and ceramics. My family have used Park View for a couple of hanging and framing jobs and even had a piece of jewellery mounted, which highlighting Roger's versatility. At the most recent exhibition the work of Jon Jones, a portrait painter was shown and was in fact the artists first solo exhibition since 2008 and his first in Birmingham for four years. His work was striking and gave a real sense of the lives of his subjects. Park View is expanding with a cafe planned by owner Roger, so if you have never visited then there's all the more reason to do so.

Free museum in Birmingham city centre focusing on contemporary art. It's in a very grand building,…read moreso I thought the museum would be big too, but it wasn't. Well there is a lot of empty space, and not that much to see. Few different rotating exhibitions, I saw some on the rave scene in the 80s and also racial violence from the 60-90s. On the way out I accidentally insulted one of the artists, but he just brushed it off.

We visited this museum yesterday and we really liked it. Both the exterior and interior of the…read morebuilding are beautiful. The museum has a terrific selection of paintings from the 15th, 16th & 17th centuries and a particularly good selection of Pre-Raphaelites. There's a *gorgeous*/large Edwardian tea room and also a separate café (the latter is small and attractive). The gift shop isn't very large, but it had some nice items. Also, I had a wonderful conversation with one of the guards; she was very friendly and kind-hearted.

I've been using the services here for many years. Printing, poster designing, picture framing and…read morethe odd gift are among the some of the things I've ventured in for. I've always found the service to be swift and efficient, friendly and helpful. Excellent equipment for full colour printing, take your own design or discuss your requirements with a small team to come up with a professional solution. Business stationary, letter heads, business cards and flyers all at very reasonable cost. I am considering using there service to print a photograph onto canvass, they offer sizes up to 44 x 72 inch, that's big!

A smart new location for this gallery that used to be located in Moseley…read more As well as Reuben's own art, there are some other beautiful collections too, including sculptures and there is even an original Picasso there at the moment! All pieces are for sale. It is a must for serious art collectors, but for those who simply like to see great works of art, it is definitely worth popping in during your lunch break or passing through on your way to something else.