New artist commissions unveiled for Birmingham’s BBC Tea Factory
Two exciting new artist commissions have been announced for Typhoo Wharf, the future home of the BBC in Birmingham.
In partnership with Stoford and Digbeth-based arts organisation Grand Union, acclaimed artists Jasleen Kaur and Infinite Opera will deliver dynamic, place-inspired works that celebrate Digbeth’s past, present and future.
Turner Prize winner Jasleen Kaur will create a landmark public artwork for the new public square at the heart of Typhoo Wharf. Her commission will explore and honour the site’s industrial heritage – making visible the invisible stories of trade, labour and transformation that have shaped the area.
Meanwhile, Birmingham’s own Infinite Opera, led by Roxanne Korda and Daniel Blanco Albert, will develop a bold, multi-site operatic performance that draws directly from the lived experiences of Digbeth’s communities. The immersive production will weave together diverse narratives, from long-standing residents and workers to the evolving cultural and industrial landscape of the city.
(Left: Infinite Opera community workshop, May Digbeth First Friday 2025, Grand Union, Birmingham. Image by Nina Bailie, 2025. Right: Jasleen Kaur by Robin Christian, 2024.)
Jo Capper, Grand Union says “We are so happy and excited to be working with Jasleen and Infinite Opera for these commissions, both new art works will help to develop deeper connections and meanings for Digbeth past, present and future as the wider area transforms and regenerates.”
Artist Jasleen Kaur shared: “It’s a huge responsibility to make something permanent for Digbeth at a time when most things in the area feel unstable. My hope is for an artwork to hold some of this complexity that’s being navigated by Grand Union and its communities.“
Infinite Opera added: “We are thrilled to join Grand Union, and have the opportunity to work closely with the people living and working in Digbeth, delving into the area’s cultural past and future heritage, having grown as artists in this community.”
Matt Burgin from Stoford said:
“We recognise the vital importance artists and organisations like Grand Union have in the redevelopment of the city. Digbeth is the perfect place to demonstrate this. We are really excited to be working with Turner Prize winner Jasleen Kaur and Birmingham based artists Infinite Opera.”
Sophy Jacob, Project Director for the BBC’s Tea Factory, commented:
“We’re delighted that Stoford have partnered with Digbeth arts organization Grand Union to get these two works commissioned and look forward to seeing how they enhance the local area as it develops.”
The Typhoo Wharf development – a bold reimagining of the historic former tea factory – will become the BBC’s new Birmingham headquarters in 2027. This vibrant, carbon-efficient hub will serve as a key anchor in Digbeth’s wider transformation, blending culture, creativity and community.
Stay tuned for more details and future events at grand-union.org.uk
