Birmingham - a-n The Artists Information Company

For her first show in England at Grand Union in Birmingham, Glasgow-based artist Lauren Gault has produced a new body of sculptural works in glass, metal and welded PVC plastic, complemented by a sound piece. Anneka French finds out more from the artist.

The Birmingham gallery and artists’ studios was added to Arts Council England’s national portfolio this year, marking a new chapter in its development. Programme director Kim McAleese and associate curator Seán Elder map out the before and after of “a pretty incredible year”.

With a solo show at ICA and as part of a group exhibition at Eastside Projects, Sonia Boyce is exploring ideas around play, improvisation and sculpture – including a collaborative project with ukuele-playing skateboarders. Anneka French talks to the artist during the first of two lively, nerve-wracking performances in Birmingham, as skaters fly by and instruments are played.

Best known for Seizure, his 2008 Artangel commission for which he covered the interior of a South London flat with copper sulphate, Roger Hiorns’ current show at Ikon Gallery sees him back in his home city, where he also hopes to soon bury a decommissioned Boeing 737. Fisun Güner talks to the artist.

Five a-n News writers – based in London, Birmingham and Glasgow – pick, in no particular order, their top five exhibitions of the year.

John Stezaker, known for his photographic collages constructed from found images, has turned curator for ‘Turning to See: From Van Dyck to Lucian Freud’ at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Anneka French talks to the artist about his new departure, how he selected works for the show, and where his own art fits in.

For her Clipping the Church project in Erdington, Birmingham-based Czech artist Tereza Buskova has combined idiosyncratic customs and community workshops to create a public procession involving baked goods, live music, elaborate costume and the local church. Anneka French speaks to the artist and parish priest Reverend Freda Evans.

The Office for Art, Design and Technology is a new two-year programme of residencies, events, exhibitions and professional development for new and more established artists with digital practices. Anneka French talks to the artist leading the programme as well as artists and mentors involved in Post-Modern Plant Life 2, the recently completed first stage of the initiative.

Birmingham artist Barbara Walker’s latest collection of drawings explores the often under-recognised role of black servicemen and women in the British Armed Forces.