Arts centre named most visited free attraction in the West Midlands

A Birmingham arts centre has retained its position as the most visited free attraction in the West Midlands.

The Midland Arts Centre – or mac – saw visitor numbers rise 10% last year to 1.1 million.

The Cannon Hill Park venue, which has a varied programme of theatre, music, film and courses, alongside free events and exhibitions, has also moved three places up the national rankings, claiming 11th spot and is the only West Midlands venue in the top 20.

mac’s improved national ranking places it behind the British Museum (1st), the Science Museum (7th) and the British Library (10th), but ahead of Tate Britain (13th) and the Imperial War Museum (14th).

Regionally, other venues in the rankings include: Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (2nd), New Art Gallery Walsall (6th) and Borough Museum and Art Gallery, Staffordshire (11th).

Deborah Kermode, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of mac Birmingham said: “It’s great that we have retained our number one position in the region while improving our national ranking.

“Our popularity is a true testament of the hard work and vision of mac’s staff and board in addition to the fantastic loyalty from our local visitors. I’d also like to thank our many funders including the players of People Postcode Lottery who fund many of our free events for families, which helps to ensure we build new and engaged audiences for the future.”