Grand Union

Grand Union was founded in 2010 by a group of fifteen artists and curators looking for affordable studio and exhibition space in Digbeth, at a time when the district had only two other arts organisations. It now operates as a registered charity, Grand Union Arts CIO, running a second-floor gallery within Minerva Works alongside studios for working artists. The programme of free exhibitions, talks and events is curated by a rotating team of associate curators rather than a single director, with a stated focus on experimental and socially engaged work. A separate strand, the Growing Project, uses gardening, cooking and art-making as a form of informal support for people going through difficult periods. The gallery keeps limited public hours, opening only on Wednesday afternoons and Thursday to Saturday during exhibitions.