Events Secretary Cassandra Fong highlights University of Birmingham’s DIY Arts Festival ahead of its 2025 run
The DIY arts festival is an annual interdisciplinary event taking place at the Alan Walters building during the spring semester, led by students across the Department of Film and Creative Writing. Celebrating creativity in all its forms, this festival showcases student talent and fosters a community where art is accessible and engaging. Free refreshments and stickers are provided!
Previous themes have included “fluidity” and “converge, collide, collaborate”. This year (2025) the festival focuses on authenticity, with an anthology of submitted writing by students and outsiders alike. There are screenings of student films, live musical performances, interactive pieces of artwork and even opportunities to perform spoken word poetry. From photography and mixed media to self-published zines and quilted tapestries, the wide array of artistic expressions is undoubtedly the festival’s strongest appeal.
Organisers have also been exploring new ways to enhance the experience for participants and attendees alike. The festival aims to incorporate more online elements, allowing for greater audience reach and broader participation. Digital archives of past artwork and performances will preserve the memories of the festival’s evolution, and there will even be a documented process of the festival’s curated exhibitions being created in real time. Changing the theme each year also ensures unique artistic interpretations, and post-festival surveys go around afterwards to identify areas for improvement in future events.
The university has long been a hub of creative excellence and this festival was established in response to the growing need for accessible arts events. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to express their artistry, whether through visual arts or digital media or music. It has become a vibrant event that truly spotlights the sheer range of talent that exists on campus, and is undoubtedly a highlight of the year!
The DIY Arts Festival returns on Wednesday 19th March 2025
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