First opened in 1962, Midlands Arts Centre – also known as MAC – is a pioneering arts complex for everyone. Our mission: to make art an important part of people’s lives.
Located in Cannon Hill Park, just two miles south of the city centre, we attract over 1,000,000 visits every year, drawing audiences from across the UK and beyond.
Between 2008 and early 2010 our building underwent a £15.2m redevelopment (funded by Arts Council England, Birmingham City Council, charitable trusts, commercial sponsorship and public donations), during which time we continued our work with a variety of off-site projects. We re-opened our doors to the public on 1 May 2010 – and continue to thrive.
Specialising in contemporary work, we offer a busy programme of theatre, dance, independent cinema, music, spoken word, comedy, exhibitions and special events, as well as a wealth of practical classes in all aspects of creativity, from playing musical instruments to ceramics and jewellery-making. Midlands Arts Centre is a national leader in developing work with children, families and young people of all backgrounds.
Beyond our touring and self-produced programme, we work extensively to support emerging and mid-career artists. Working both in our state-of-the-art building and out in the community, our mission is to make art an important part of people’s lives.