The Argentium Project: Exploring New Avenues for Silver Design at the Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (BMAG) from the 22nd September 2009 – 21st February 2010 is described as:

“A fascinating display in the metalwork gallery at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, which brings together new research and creative work by Kristina Niedderer. She explores the revolutionary new silver alloy, Argentium^© through hand work and modern machine techniques. Kristina has created a range of objects combining the use of Argentium^© Sterling Silver and laser welding which test and extend traditional craft practice.”

More from the OpenBritain Argentium Project Article.

The Swansea Festival of Music and Arts runs from the 28th Spetember – 17th October at various venues across the city. “The success of last year’s 60th birthday Festival has enabled us, in difficult economic circumstances, to build a programme of quality and diversity: concerts, opera, oratorio, chamber music, jazz and gospel, together with classical and contemporary dance, musical comedy, visual arts and lectures. We hope that people of all ages and backgrounds will share the colour and imagination which the arts bring to our lives.”

More from the OpenBritain Swansea Festival of Music and Arts Article.

The Affordable Art Fair (AAF) is the place to discover and buy paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography and original prints – all priced between £50 and £3,000.

With 120 carefully selected galleries from across the UK and Europe exhibiting there is contemporary art on show to suit every taste and budget.

The forthcoming Autumn Collection (22 – 25 October) in Battersea Park, London, marks AAF’s 10th anniversary.

I contacted the Affordable Art Fair to find out about facilities for people with disabilities and they responded very quickly with the following information:

“The Affordable Art Fair is located in a fully wheelchair accessible marquee, with the fair itself designed with wide aisles to make moving around the event easy for wheelchair users. We also have several wheelchairs which can be booked, for free on site, to use within the fair for those less able to walk.

We have a disabled toilet in the entrance marquee and special parking spaces at the entrance for cars displaying disabled stickers.

All of our signage is clearly laid out, using large point size to assist those with visual impairments.

A number of art fair assistants are employed and they are always on hand to give assistance to any visitors who may need it.

More from the OpenBritain Affordable Art Fair Article.

The Coastal Currents Arts Festival was launched over a week ago on the 29th August in Hastings, Rye and Bexhill-on-Sea, but don’t panic the event continues until the 30th September so there’s still plenty of time to get there.

“Coastal Currents 2009 promises to be an exciting and accessible event for both residents and visitors to the area with a wide range of free events including film, performances, music, talks, guided walks and workshops. There are also events designed for specialists – a programme of talks and presentations by artists and curators from the South East and London while a screening of artists’ short films will feature work from emerging and well established artists.”

More from the OpenBritain Coastal Currents Article.

This evening the Somerset Art Works (SAW) exhibtion launch will be held from 4.30 – 8.00pm at the Langport Town Hall and Gardens, Somerset. SAW is a non-profit making organisation promoting the Visual Arts and creating opportunities for Visual Artists and Makers in Somerset through advocacy, promotion and development.

The main part of the SAW exhibition is Art for Everyone that will run from the 19th September – 4th October throughout the region at different venues. The SAW website lists all the venues and also provides some information regarding access for wheelchair users. You can also search the different activities by using their interactive map, by artist name, and art form.

More from the OpenBritain Somerset Art Works Article.