A New Chapter: Introducing The Open Page Gallery

The Open Page Gallery in Stirchley Library opened on 2 July 2026 with its inaugural exhibition, Wonder Women by Editoriat.

We're delighted to announce the launch of The Open Page Gallery, a new exhibition space in Stirchley Library dedicated to showcasing the work of artists from our creative community.
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The gallery officially opened on 2 July 2026 with its inaugural exhibition, Wonder Women, a series of five gel plate collages by Stirchley-based artist Editoriat.

The Open Page Gallery represents an exciting new chapter for Stirchley Art Room, but it also reflects something that has always been at the heart of how we work. Over the years we've seen participants grow in confidence, develop new creative interests and begin asking what's next. Some have wanted to sell work, others to exhibit, keep sketchbooks or explore new techniques. Rather than setting out a fixed programme, we've listened and responded as those aspirations have emerged.

The idea for a gallery developed in exactly that way. After taking part in one of our community exhibitions, Editoriat approached us to ask whether she could create her own exhibition using our display space in Stirchley Library. That conversation prompted us to think differently about the space. Could it become somewhere that regularly supported artists taking the next step in their creative practice? Could we offer opportunities not only to exhibit work, but also to learn about curating, presenting and sharing artwork with the public?

The Open Page Gallery is our response.

We're also delighted that the gallery gives Stirchley another much-needed exhibition space. Following delays to the Stirchley Cooperative Development project, a planned exhibition elsewhere was no longer possible, highlighting the need for dedicated community gallery space in south Birmingham. We're pleased that this new programme of exhibitions will also encourage more people to visit and enjoy Stirchley Library.

Wonder Women 

Visit the exhibition

Wonder Women is free to visit during Stirchley Library opening hours and Stirchley Art Room sessions, and runs until 3 September 2026.
We hope it's the first of many exhibitions that celebrate the creativity of our participants and help make Stirchley Library an even more vibrant cultural space for our community.

Our first exhibition is Wonder Women, featuring five striking gel plate collages by Editoriat.
The work explores the female gaze and the impossible standards often imposed on women through the media they consume. Every piece was created during Stirchley Art Room sessions.
Reflecting on the exhibition, Editoriat said:
"I'm very grateful for this opportunity. All five works were created at Stirchley Art Room and thanks to them I've been able to develop the gel printing process to exhibition stage. I've been in group exhibitions before now but I guess this is my first solo show! Stirchley Library is also my childhood library – and where I get most of my books as an adult – so the space has a special meaning for me."
For us, that's exactly what The Open Page Gallery is about: creating opportunities for artists to develop their practice, build confidence and share their work with others.

​The Open Page Gallery will host a rolling programme of exhibitions featuring artists from the Stirchley Art Room community. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for details of future exhibitions and opportunities to get involved.