Birmingham hosts final BIMM event on the SXSW London Roadshow
BIMM Institute Birmingham was the final destination on SXSW London’s collaborative tour with BIMM. It wrapped up a successful series of events designed to spotlight creative talent and spark industry conversation ahead of the first ever SXSW London, which will take place in June 2025.
The MetFilm and Performers campus on Floodgate Street hosted numerous live performances, panels and networking events throughout the day, offering students and guests direct access to discussions shaping the future of music, culture and technology.
The event opened with intimate foyer sets from three BIMM performers, Ethan Hopwood, Bo Bardot and Wooden Dog, who set the tone for the day with a diverse range of intimate and exciting performances.
The day’s first panel, Our City – The Power of Connected Local Industry, explored Birmingham’s vibrant and fast-evolving creative landscape. Panellists Martin Simms (Create Central), Faron McKenzie (BBC), Despa Robinson (BE83 Music Group), and Annabelle Bevan (Digbeth Loc Studios) shared their knowledge on Birmingham’s creative history, its recent investment in infrastructure, and how local networks, venues, and music businesses are coming together to create new opportunities in the region.
This was followed by a dazzling performance from BIMM artist Kitty Bella, paving the way for panel two, Where is the I in AI?. This discussion featured Annemarie Gaillard (DAACI), Declan McGlynn (Voice-Swap), and Jason Reed (RoEx), who unpacked the growing presence of AI tools in the creative process, exploring how artists can embrace them as collaborators rather than competitors.
After a comfort break, Songwriting & Music Business student Leah Wilcox delivered an amazing live acoustic performance ahead of the final panel: Mentors and Talent Development – The Importance of Supporting and Nurturing Young Talent. Laurence Hobbs (Safo Music), Gavin Monaghan (Magic Garden Studios), Andrew Smallman (5B Artists + Media), and Cassie Smyth (REEL BRUM) shared their advice on how to champion the next generation of creatives and build long-term, meaningful support systems for emerging talent.
While SXSW London’s full-scale launch is still to come, this Birmingham event marked the last in a series of roadshow stops co-hosted with BIMM, following successful sessions in Bristol and Manchester. It closed the partnership on a high, shining a spotlight on Birmingham’s unique voice within the UK’s creative landscape and the people driving it forward.
