A unique new retail space has breathed life into a vacant unit at a major Midlands shopping destination, offering a platform for emerging artists who rarely get to showcase their work alongside major high street brands.
From Claire's to Canvas: A Vacant Unit Transformed
The new shop, named Gallery in the Glass, has opened in the former Claire's Accessories unit at Resorts World in Birmingham. This follows the closure of 145 Claire's stores across the UK. The retail and leisure complex, which houses outlets for Nike and Next as well as popular restaurants and a cinema, decided to use the empty space to support the local creative community.
Fifteen artists, all students from Solihull College, are now featuring their work in the pop-up gallery. To prepare, the participants took part in a special 'Get Gallery Ready' bootcamp designed to help them bring their artwork to market. The shop will remain open for shoppers to browse and purchase these unique pieces until January 14, 2025.
Supporting Local Talent During the Festive Rush
The initiative is being led by Birmingham art historian and curator Ruth Millington and is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. It is located next to the Skopes store.
Holly Ryland-Jones, Events Manager at Resorts World, explained the motivation behind the project. "Gallery in the Glass allows us to genuinely support local creativity, while giving our guests the chance to view unique local talent they may not otherwise see," she said. "When our former Claire's unit became vacant... we wanted to utilise it and give back to the local community."
She added that the festive period is an ideal time for such an exhibit, as footfall is naturally high, providing crucial exposure for the artists and creating a new point of interest for visitors.
Artists and Shoppers Reap the Rewards
Artist Milly Jackson, whose work 'Le Masque' is featured, expressed her delight at being involved. "It's such a great opportunity to share our work in a public space during the busy festive season," she commented. "Huge thanks to Resorts World for supporting local artists and bringing art into everyday life in a fun and engaging way!"
Shoppers are also being given an extra incentive to visit. A QR code is displayed in the store, which visitors can scan for a chance to win a piece of art from the gallery. This interactive element adds to the engaging experience of discovering original artwork in a familiar shopping environment.
This project represents a meaningful collaboration between education, commerce, and regional development, turning a symbol of high street decline into a vibrant hub for community talent during the crucial Christmas and New Year shopping period.
