McCann Birmingham spotlights local creative talent in unique setting

The collaboration has been created to showcase rising stars in the local creative community and provide them with a unique platform to display their work – the front of McCann Birmingham’s office.

Reilly, a Birmingham based illustrator, is the first artist to create a bespoke piece of work. The statement artwork will remain on the building for six months, after which a new design by another local artist will take its place. The agency partnered with Birmingham Design to shortlist and select artists, illustrators and designers.

As part of the shortlisting process, McCann Birmingham issued a brief asking artists and illustrators to create a design for the building based on the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to creativity. The brief outlined the complex and often controversial relationship between creativity and technology, and explored how artificial intelligence could change the game for creatives.

Reilly’s selected work addresses the potential for collaboration between creatives and AI. In the piece, AI is represented by a faceless human and fluidly interacts with the scene to demonstrate the interconnected potential of emerging tools.

Chris Falconer, Group Managing Director at McCann Birmingham said “The region is packed full of incredible creatives who deserve to have their work seen. It’s important not only for us to connect with emerging talent, but also provide them with a platform to showcase their work. Birmingham Design’s extensive network and shared passion made them the perfect partner to support the launch of our new collaboration series.

Abbie’s vibrant piece is incredible, and we’ve had brilliant feedback from our team, clients and local community.”

Abbie Reilly, Illustrator, said “It’s so important to have opportunities like this for local talent. The Birmingham creative scene is flourishing and as it continues to grow, more opportunities to help emerging artists are starting to appear. Having the front of McCann Birmingham’s building as a canvas for the community is such a great idea, I’m thrilled to be the first artist to be featured.”

Luke Tonge, Director at Birmingham Design added: “Birmingham Design’s mission is to grow the Birmingham creative scene and build connections. This collaboration with McCann Birmingham is a shining example of how we can all come together to support the community and recognise the West Midlands as the creative powerhouse it is.”

Find out more about Abbie on her website.