We’re hosting a whole day of events to mark International Women’s Day.

This year’s campaign theme is #BalanceForBetter and is a call to action for driving gender balance across the world.

Take a look at some of the events we have planned to celebrate women’s lives and experiences below.


Makers’ Market, Hippodrome Foyers, 4 – 9pm

We’ve invited some wonderful female designer-makers from Birmingham to set up stall in the theatre foyers for the afternoon. Here’s who will be joining us:

Vicky Neville is an illustrator working digitally, with inks, sketch and papercutting. Her style is simple yet striking, and influenced by graphic artists such as Saul Steinberg, Matisse and Marjane Satrapi.

EllARTShop brings together Ella’s love of illustration and ceramics to create functional and stylish pieces for your home.

Karen Beard Ceramics – Karen makes unique wheel-thrown pieces made using the finest quality clays, creating pottery to live with and love for a lifetime.

Hanky Pancakes – Colour enthusiast Hannah makes a range of beautiful and eye-catching wreaths, embroidered pieces, jewellery and pins.

The Emma Press, founded in 2012, is an independent publisher based in the Jewellery Quarter,  specialising in poetry, short fiction and children’s books. The Emma Press also publishes Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women who dared to dream¸ illustrations from which are currently on display in our Level 2 gallery space.

B18 Leather – Inspired by heritage and contemporary life, Deborette handcrafts a range of unique and striking purses, bags and keyrings.

Leasowes View – Karen’s pieces include children’s clothing and homeware – are all handmade with quality yarns.

Wild Floss – Ruth creates eye-catching, modern embroidery pieces on clothing, canvases and with hoops.

Queen of Camellias -A small artisan loose leaf organic tea and infusion company, hand-blended here in the Midlands.