The Midlands Arts Centre (also called MAC Birmingham or The MAC) is located in Cannon Hill Park, Edgbaston.

Midlands Arts Centre at Cannon Hill Park (February 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

History of The MAC

The MAC was established in 1962. It hosts plays, concerts, film shows,  and holds art exhibitions, music classes and workshops. The centre reopened after a facelift in May 2010 (after being closed for refurbishment works from 2008 to 2010). The idea for an arts centre came from John English, his wife Mollie Randle and local politician Frank Price in the late 1950s. Birmingham City Council made land available at Cannon Hill Park in 1962. Was also home to the Cannon Hill Puppet Theatre under John M. Blundall. The director Mike Leigh went to work at the theatre in 1965. It was home to the former Birmingham Youth Theatre from 1972 to 1987.

Midlands Arts Centre at Cannon Hill Park (December 2010). Photography by Elliott Brown