Digbeth’s newest independent art space, Seventh Circle, opens Renaissance an exhibition created to spotlight the extraordinary artistic talent currently thriving within Birmingham.
Following their recent expansion and relocation, founders Marie Hutton and Robin “Chez” Chesworth mark this moment with a show that speaks directly to the power and necessity of independent, artist‑led spaces in the West Midlands.
In a cultural landscape where Birmingham’s independent creatives are too often underserved by places to display their work, Seventh Circle steps forward with a clear mission: to provide a professional, accessible platform where local artists can be seen, supported, and celebrated. Renaissance brings together 40 artists, the vast majority based in Birmingham, exploring the theme of “rebirth” in all its forms: transformation, renewal, and the courageous act of beginning again.
At its heart, Renaissance is a love letter to real, physical, human art, the kind you stand in front of and actually feel. In an era of digital fatigue and AI‑generated noise, Seventh Circle is planting a flag for the irreplaceable experience of seeing the hand, the labour, and the soul of an artist up close.
“Nothing compares to standing in front of an artwork and seeing the texture, the scale, the hand of the artist,” says co‑founder Marie Hutton.
“We built a space that puts that connection first. Birmingham is overflowing with world‑class talent, but the infrastructure hasn’t kept up. Seventh Circle is where local creatives get to be seen and heard on their own terms, in their own city.”
To ensure the exhibition is as much about community as it is about the artists, Seventh Circle has introduced a dual‑award system. The Director’s Choice Award, selected by Marie and Chez, offers a pivotal prize: a solo exhibition and supported Private View later in the year, a genuine career‑shifting opportunity designed to elevate an independent artist’s practice.
“We wanted this show to be more than an exhibition,” says Chez.
“It’s a commitment. When our artists grow, the whole city grows with them. Art and culture feed the heart and soul of a place, they’re its legacy.”
The People’s Choice Award invites every visitor to take part in the process. By voting for the piece that resonates most, the public directly decides which artist will receive a £150 bespoke framing prize from Seventh Circle’s in‑house workshop, a practical, high‑quality boost for any working artist.
After a buzzing Private View, the gallery now invites the public to experience the exhibition in person. The collection spans fine art, sculpture, installation, ceramics, printmaking, and mixed media, a testament to the depth and diversity of Birmingham’s creative community.
Event Details
Exhibition: Renaissance
Location: Seventh Circle Gallery, Unit C3, 2 Bowyer Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B10 0SA
Dates: Open now until 22 February 2026
