About Nu Century Arts

Nu Century Arts is a dynamic resource for new writers, musicians, directors and actors, Providing an umbrella for the development of the arts within Birmingham’s African Caribbean community and beyond. The details of the latest dramatic events and productions can be found in the Theatre section of this site. The Live Box is our regular live music event that platforms the latest talent from around the country, and includes a popular jam session.

Nu Century Arts, in its theatre and live music combines established world-class names with the new and unknown. We are always looking for new talent in every area and encourage people to get in touch. Please contact us and share your thoughts through our our multipurpose feedback form

Making a lasting difference

Since being founded in 2000, Nu Century Arts has established an international reputation for producing ground breaking and influential work of a global standard. Based in the Handsworth area of Birmingham UK, its mission statement is to ‘make a lasting difference’ to the expectations and opportunities of African-Caribbean artists both at home and abroad.

The organisation embraces an interdisciplinary approach to arts and education. The company’s work encompasses a professional theatre group, organising a regular live music event ‘The Live Box’, literature in the shape of ‘Wired Up’ magazine and a broad range of education work, from open workshops, to youth theatre and group trips as far a field as South Africa, Ghana and the United States.

Established in the summer by a small yet committed team, Nu Century set out to facilitate the creative plans of Birmingham’s black artists and meet the challenges faced by a new millennium. Run initially from the organisers’ homes, the organisation grew steadily to take on large - scale music and theatre commissions, forge partnerships both in Britain and internationally and inhabit a key place within Birmingham’s diverse communities.

Given Birmingham’s location within the United Kingdom and the breadth of talent within the city, Nu Century Arts has maintained that its artists should not be marginal, but play a central role in the cultural direction of the country; have access to the fullest possible range of skills; and produce the highest quality work. Moreover, it seeks to provide a consistent base and a framework promoting new African Caribbean work, irrespective of political/ cultural trends and fashions.

The fact that theatre, music and literature are interconnected in the organisation is what makes Nu Century Arts unique. Additionally, its commitment to alternative forms of black expression from jazz music, to poetry and theatre, frequently sets it apart from convention: its continual advocacy of these forms and pursuit of excellence has made it a valuable resource to all communities.