Staying Cool celebrates 15 years in Birmingham with Creative Heights II

Independent aparthotel complex Staying Cool at Rotunda is celebrating 15 years in Birmingham in 2023 with its second year-long programme of events to showcase the city 's wealth of creative talent in arts, literature, food and drink.

Working with fellow indies from across Birmingham, Creative Heights II will provide a sky-high platform for talented artists, local designers and fab food & drink providers. Residents and visitors to Birmingham alike will have the opportunity to visit Rotunda and take part in workshops drawing the skyline, listen to literature talks or see new art against the stunning backdrop of the Brum cityscape.

Creative Heights II will begin on 18 May 2023, when a striking piece of temporary art will be revealed alongside the launch of a special edition and collectible Staying Cool-themed drink.

Food & drink pairing events will showcase local independent venues from the city 's dining scene and will shine a light on restaurants, with the support of creative drinks providers.

A collaboration with long-term Staying Cool partner, Flatpack Film Festival, will take place in May 2023, while later in the year, Birmingham-based author Ruth Millington will share hidden stories about the city 's art history.

Birmingham designer Stacey Barnfield will talk about his Draw My City sketch project in a special Creative Heights II retrospective event and junior model makers will be invited to 'bring their Rotunda to Rotunda ' - an event at which mini home-made Rotundas will be on display in the building.

A cook-a-long event hosted by 'Murder, She Cooked ' author Jenny Hammerton will add a unique twist to a Staying Cool winter 's evening as guests channel their Angela Lansbury in the heart of Birmingham, while additional Creative Heights II events include photography exhibitions and displays celebrating the heritage and architecture of the landmark Rotunda building.

Birmingham photographers, illustrators and sketchers will also be invited to capture a scenic Brumset from Staying Cool 's legendary penthouse balconies, described as offering the best views in Birmingham by a visiting journalist.

The Creative Heights II programme, which will support Birmingham 's LoveBrum charity, has been curated and arranged by the Staying Cool at Rotunda team.

Gavin Burns, Staying Cool at Rotunda general manager, said: “We 're so proud of our 15 years as a Brummie destination with a difference. Collaborating with and promoting the best independents in the city has been part of our DNA since day one. We 're big supporters of the creative industries so it 's great to involve so many and to give people the opportunity to set foot in such a Brummie icon.

“The first Creative Heights in 2018 was a huge success and we hope our Creative Heights II events will be just as popular as a showcase for everything that 's great about local creative businesses in truly unique spaces with views like no other. ”

Creative Heights II tickets will be released through Eventbrite. Visit here for all the latest Creative Heights II updates and to register your interest.

Pictured: City photographers will be able to capture the Birmingham skyline as part of Staying Cool 's Creative Heights. Credit: Stacey Barnfield