Emerging artists shine in Birmingham’s open art competition

City artist Ava Khera is a rising star – after being unveiled winner of the Birmingham Creates: The Open art competition celebrating the area’s emerging artistic talent.

Ava, whose winning entry was “Nature’s Embrace,” was one of three exceptional artists chosen by a judging panel and an enthusiastic public vote who emerged with top honours.

With a previous 8-year career in design before pursuing her passion in fine art, Ava now combines her curiosity of the modern female experience with her love of the natural world.

She said: "I'm incredibly honoured to have my work recognised in such a prestigious competition. Birmingham's art scene is thriving, and I'm proud to be part of it. Thank you to Colmore BID and the judges for this incredible opportunity."

Ava’s work is receiving global recognition through gallery exhibitions. In 2023, she received the Women In Art Prize Flux Exhibition Prize in London and has also recently exhibited at the Mall Galleries with the first Annual Women in Art Fair.

Meanwhile, David Collier's "Rotunders" received high commendation for its poignant reflection on the city's-built environment history. His winning piece is a photomontage based on the original – but never undertaken -  plans for Birmingham city centre to build five Rotundas to represent the human hand.

David said: “Opportunities for unknown artists are few and far between, so it was a welcome surprise to see this positive initiative by Colmore Business District to give local artists the opportunity to have their works shown in a public arena. Let's hope there's more to come. Thank you to the judges and everyone involved."

David is a Birmingham-based artist and has been producing work in the city since the 1990s. He studied art and design at UCE Birmingham and achieved a BA in Art & Design in 1999. He spent years working in the film industry, with credits on films like Harry Potter.

Meanwhile, Misha Leigh Raybone was chosen as People’s Choice Winner for her work Stained Glass Gator.

As an illustrator, Misha takes inspiration from a child's love of creating without boundaries and expectations. In her recent digital '365 Days Gator' project, Misha drew different whimsical costumed alligators for each day of the year.

Misha received her level three Diploma in Art and Design from UAL, Birmingham in 2016. Since leaving school, she has continued to create artwork while working full-time for the NHS in Organ Donation.

Misha said: “Thank you so much to local people for supporting the exhibition and voting my ‘Stained Glass Gator’ artwork as their favourite. I’m really pleased that my art makes people happy and puts a smile on their face.”

The overall winner has been awarded a £2,000 prize, and the Highly Commended and People’s Choice winners will each receive £1,000. The prize for all three winners includes a full portfolio review undertaken by Colley Ison Gallery.

Colmore BID developed the initiative for the ‘Birmingham Creates: The Open’ competition and exhibition, as well as leading on the project’s curation. Central BID is a key supporting partner in funding and installing the exhibition in Victoria Square and part-funding the prize money.

Melanie Williams, Chair of Colmore BID’s Outstanding Places Working Group, praised the artists and the community's involvement.

She commented: “We are proud to see such a fantastic response to Birmingham Creates: The Open art competition. The talent displayed by these emerging artists is a testament to Birmingham’s vibrant art scene. Colmore BID is committed to fostering creativity and providing opportunities for local emerging artists to shine. Congratulations to all the winners and participants, and a heartfelt thank you to the public for their enthusiastic support.”

With the open art exhibition proving popular with local people, the exhibition has been extended and will remain in Snow Hill Square until 1 August. The winning pieces will be displayed at Snow Hill Square offering the public a chance to experience the talent of Birmingham’s artists up close.

Birmingham Creates: The Open is part of 100 Days of Creativity, an extensive programme of artistic events and activities being staged in Birmingham this summer until Monday 26 August.

With the help of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, City Curator Alex Nicholson-Evans joined forces with West Midlands Growth Company, Colmore BID, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Culture Central, Birmingham City Council, Central BID, Jewellery Quarter BID and Southside BID to bring the festival to Birmingham.