The New Generation Arts (NGA) Festival is a two – week programme showcasing up and coming artistic talent in Birmingham. The aim of NGA is to build a nationally recognised festival providing top quality graduates and emerging stars with a professional platform from which to showcase their work.

Organisers Birmingham City University have worked extensively with artists, representative arts and  community organisations, venues around Birmingham and education partners to provide a wide and varied programme highlighting the quality and variety of arts nurtured in the city.  The festival represents an important opportunity for Birmingham to enhance its arts profile. 

In 2006 the festival gained support from high profile names such as fashion designer Betty Jackson, comedian Frank Skinner, renowned author Philip Pullman, acclaimed writer Jim Crace, and singer Ruby Turner, to name but a few.

This year’s festival will focus on the theme of identity and diversity.   The 14 day festival will launch on 14th June 2007, showcasing some 40 exhibits and performances within a 2 mile radius of the city centre.   The festival has secured the support of high profile artists from all artistic genres including writer Jim Crace, well-known poet Carol Ann Duffy, award-winning novelist Nicola Monaghan, and Cultural Editor for The Times Richard Morrison.

The festival opens with a dramatic production of the “Good Person of Sichuan” by Bertold Brecht, directed by the award-winning young director Tom Wright.  This launch will be preceded by 5 VIP launch events each representing a key focus area for the arts.  NGA 2007 will close on 29th June with a high profile Jazz concert.