Turning Building Hoardings Into a Community Canvas

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is in the middle of an ambitious transformation, but that hasn't stopped it bringing art to communities across Birmingham and beyond. We were very excited to catch up with Flora Kay, Head of Learning and Engagement, to talk about the gallery's programmes, collection, and reopening plans, and why the team can't wait to get families drawing all over their building hoardings for The Big Draw Festival 2026...

Could you tell us about The Barber Institute of Fine Arts and your role there?

"The Barber Institute of Fine Arts opened in 1939. Its Grade-I listed building is a unique space that houses a world-class collection, exhibition galleries, an Art Deco concert hall and creative activity spaces. My role as Head of Learning and Engagement brings people and ideas together to create inspiring programmes. Our programme aims to engage with our communities, providing opportunities to connect, inspire and create meaningful interactions with our collection."

Photo credit: Architect's impression. Courtesy of Glancy Nicholls Architects

The Barber is in the middle of a major transformation, reimagining the space, programmes, and collection. We’d love to hear more about this and the plans for the space…

"The Barber is closed for a transformation project that will make our heritage building more accessible, bring music back into our concert hall and enable us to welcome even more people through our doors. We are currently working to transform existing space into a brand-new Learning Wing. This will accommodate up to 50 people for seated workshops in the new Clore Studio - enabling the Barber to host school-classes and groups of all ages, as well as public workshops and activities. We will also have a dedicated area for families with young children."

With the galleries temporarily closed, how is the team staying connected to the local community in the meantime?

"Our creative learning programmes are being held offsite, allowing us to continue to connect with our local community. We’ve been popping up in schools, community centres and other cultural venues. It’s been the most wonderful experience and has influenced so many of our reopening plans, programmes and resources."

We’re so excited to have The Barber Institute of Fine Arts on board The Big Draw Festival 2026! What made you want to get involved this year?

"The Big Draw aligns with our own values of being inclusive, collaborative and creative. Our team really value process over product so it’s exciting to support activities that allow families to create together and literally 'make their mark' on our site."

We’d love to hear all about your Big Draw plans! What can visitors expect from your events?

"Be prepared to draw like you’ve never drawn before! We’re encouraging families to add their drawings to a special exhibition this October Half Term. We’ve been working with a nearby school and a West-Midlands/Birmingham-based artist to create an exhibition over our building hoardings, being used to protect the Barber during our transformation project. Over two days, families will be invited to scribble, doodle and design over these without limits.

"This project has been made possible with support from Chiel Construction. Thank you to all the Chiel team."

Despite the closure, The Barber’s art collection continues to reach audiences across the UK and internationally through loans and touring programmes. If you could take home one piece from the collection, what would it be?

"We’re very proud of our active, international loans programme and our collection touring to different venues, over 250,000 people have seen our artworks on loan in the past year. It would be a dream to take home three Tess Jaray drawings…I love how architecture, space and even the Barber’s Art Deco design inspired her work. They are very special, abstract pieces."

Photo credit: Architect's impression. Courtesy of Glancy Nicholls Architects

Are there any other exciting behind-the-scenes projects you can give us a sneak peek of?

"Watch this space! We’re currently working with a West-Midlands/Birmingham-based artist and fabricator to design parts of the Learning Wing for families. It’s been an incredibly exciting process, working with lots of community partners to shape and influence how that space will function.

"To keep up to date with our redevelopment journey, visit barber.org.uk, follow @barberinstitute on Instagram and Facebook and join our mailing list for regular news and opportunities to engage with the Barber. We’ll be popping up over Birmingham until our reopening."

Thank you, Flora!

To find out more about The Big Draw Festival and how you can get involved, click here.

To find out more about the Barber Institute's Big Draw event, click here.