Stage2 free drama workshops

Stage2 are proud to present two FREE Workshops at Brandwood Centre on the 9th April.

We have collaborated with Birmingham City Council on the Celebrating Communities Project, looking at our local identity and what community means to us. We have produced two commissioned pieces and are now offering totally free workshops to anyone aged 7-21, of any level of experience.

The workshops will consist of fun drama games and exercises that will allow you to get to know other young people, and explore the question ‘What does Community mean to me?’.

The workshops run from 1-3pm and 3.30-5.30pm: you can do just one or you could even do both of them if you like!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

Connect and Create – Birmingham’s Arts and Health networking event #4

Join this networking event for those exploring arts and health activities in Birmingham.

Join this networking event for those exploring arts and health activities in Birmingham.

Who is it for?

Anyone working in the health and social care sector in Birmingham looking to enhance their knowledge of arts activities which deliver social care outcomes.

Anyone working in the arts sector in Birmingham looking to enhance their social prescribing knowledge, contacts and arts & health good practice.

Connect with: artists; activities; conversations; ideas; people; spaces; taster sessions; venue tours

Create new: contacts; skills; experiences; knowledge; networks; friendships; ideas; passions; partnerships

To book:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/228837909347

Further details to follow in 2022. For more information email: Artsandhealth@birmingham.gov.uk

Midlands Arts Centre

https://macbirmingham.co.uk/visit/getting-here

10-4 Friday 20th May 2022

MAC, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH

Balsall Heath Second Saturday – March events

Join community arts organisations in Balsall Heath on 12th March for another packed programme of events to celebrate creativity in Balsall Heath.

Join community arts organisations in Balsall Heath on 12th March for another packed programme of events to celebrate creativity in Balsall Heath.

The full programme is in the image, but please see the Second Saturday website for further details.

Keith Piper and Gary Stewart in Conversation

Keith Piper and Gary Stewart are alumni of the Moseley School of Art from 1972-79. An informal artist conversation about their experiences.

Saturday 19 February 2022, 4pm
Buy tickets here

Join Keith Piper and Gary Stewart for an informal conversation about their experiences of attending the Moseley School of Art and other shared experiences.

About the artists

Gary Stewart is an artist concerned with social and political issues, particularly with reference to history, identity and culture, working across sound, moving image and performance. Collective practice is key to his work using experimental media practices and technologies to explore the unique spaces emerging in public spaces, art galleries and museums formed by the shifting intersections and blurred boundaries between audiences, authorship and participation.

Currently Lecturer in Fine Art (Studio Practice) at Goldsmiths, University of London, he is a founder member of interdisciplinary artist, research and performance group Dubmorphology and Artist Associate at People’s Palace Projects based in the Drama Department of Queen Mary University of London working with activists and academics on projects that address a wide range of social justice and human rights issues.

Keith Piper is a Visual Artist and Associate Professor in Fine Art at Middlesex University London.

His creative practice exists in response to specific issues, historical relationships and geographical sites, and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Piper was a founder member of the Blk Art Group in the early 1980s and during this period he established a research-driven approach prioritising thematic exploration over an attachment to any particular media. His work over the past 40 years has ranged from painting, through photography and installation to a use of digital media, video and computer-based interactivity.

The GAP Basement Theatre Ensemble

Calling young theatre-makers in and around Balsall Heath!

Calling young theatre-makers in and around Balsall Heath!

Are you a performer, director, designer or theatre-maker aged 18-30? Do you live in Balsall Heath or surrounding areas? The GAP invites you to join The Basement Theatre Ensemble.

This small collective of local theatre-makers meet fortnightly to share skills, hone creative practice and make work.

When: Wednesday evenings from 9th March
Where: The GAP Arts Project

Interested? Email lisa@thegapartsproject.co.uk

[IMAGE DESCRIPTION]
The top half has text that reads: “Are you a performer, director, designer or theatre maker? Aged 18-30? Live in Balsall Heath or surrounding areas?

Join The GAP’s basement theatre ensemble. Starting Wednesday 9th March.”

At the bottom there is a photo of two young people filming a scene with another person sat on a bed. Under the photo, text reads: “hone creative practice // develop methodology // create work.”

https://www.thegapartsproject.co.uk/

‘My Doorstep, My Culture’ exhibition launched at Moseley Road Baths

‘My Doorstep, My Culture’ is an exciting programme of creative workshops across three community
organisations, led by local Artist ILdikó Nagy. It has culminated in a group exhibition, open until the end of March at Moseley Road Baths.

‘My Doorstep, My Culture’ is an exciting programme of creative workshops across three community organisations, led by local Artist ILdikó Nagy. It has culminated in a group exhibition, open until the end of March at Moseley Road Baths.

Participants from Amal Creative, Kinmos and Smart Women CIC co-designed a series of workshops based on which artforms they wanted to explore with multidisciplinary Visual Artist ILdikó Nagy. Participants were eager to express themselves creatively and committed to working collaboratively to create something reflecting their skills, talents and cultural heritage. From a henna decorated door lit by lanterns to handsculpted incense burners, a huge willow-woven heart to needlefelted Yemeni flags, each group has crafted objects to show others who they are and what matters to them.

You can find out more about the groups’ creative journeys over on the ‘My Doorstep, My Culture’ page of our website.

The exhibition was launched to an invited audience of participants, their families and friends on Saturday 22nd February in the glorious setting of Moseley Road Baths’ empty Gala Pool. Over 30 people attended the launch where groups viewed each others’ work for the first time and reflected on their achievements with food and drink.

My Doorstep, My Culture’ is in the Gala Pool until 31st March 2022.

Art Works will be continuing to explore ways to support these community artists in their creative journeys.

Loud Fish After School Music Club

Loud Fish is a free weekly music club for children aged 8 to 12 years old who sing or play any instrument to any ability.

Loud Fish is a free weekly music club for children aged 8 to 12 years old who sing or play any instrument to any ability.

Sessions will take place on Monday afternoons, 4:30pm – 5:15pm at Moseley Road Baths and will provide the fantastic opportunity to learn fun songs in a fun and welcoming environment.

Sessions will start on Monday 31st January and will run for 8 weeks
(missing Monday 21st February for Half Term).

YOUR LEADER, RODRIGO (ROD)

Rod is an Argentinian composer, songwriter, guitarist, and writer, based in Birmingham since 2018. As well as running our group the Moseley Rock Collective, (Rod) is an experienced teacher with 8 years of experience whilst holding a Degree in Musical Arts.

WHAT DOES YOUR CHILD NEED TO BRING?

If they play an instrument, they will need their instrument and amp (if using) and power will be available for those who need it. Singers just need to turn up with their best singing voice.

We encourage you to print your music at home to bring to each session, but we’ll sort this for you if you don’t have a printer at home.

Parents will be invited to sit and watch the session or become a volunteer support on a rota.

TO HELP US WITH COVID:

Even though coronavirus restrictions are being reduced, we still ask that,

  • Participants use hand sanitiser on entry to the Baths
  • Participants should wear a mask until they are standing in the Gala Pool ready for the session to start.
  • Keep some distance between yourself and others using the baths.
  • If you or your child are not feeling well, please do not attend.

Women and Theatre – Taking Steps

It takes a village to raise a child…but how are they supported into adulthood and beyond?

Step into the world of care leavers with this entertaining, impactful and insightful drama which follows three Leaving Care Workers, and through their work, shares snapshots of the lives of the young people they support.

20 & 21 January 2022 

7.30pm (1.30pm matinee on 20th) 

BSL Interpreted Event: 20 January at 7.30pm

Tickets £10/8 

Available here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/taking-steps/

It takes a village to raise a child…but how are they supported into adulthood and beyond?

Step into the world of care leavers with this entertaining, impactful and insightful drama which follows three Leaving Care Workers, and through their work, shares snapshots of the lives of the young people they support.

Developed from research and inspired by real conversations, the production is both funny and moving, featuring live performance and a dynamic soundscape of spoken word and original music.

Shining a light on the realities faced by young people, the piece will promote discussions around their support needs and the steps that we can take forward together.

As part of this professional theatre production there will be discussions co-facilitated by care experienced young people, identifying steps to bring about lasting systematic change.

TAKING STEPS has been developed as part of Women & Theatre’s Moving On project which began in autumn 2019; a 2-year collaboration with care leavers with different experiences and backgrounds, to produce new creative work which informs developments to services and supports children in care in preparing for leaving care. The project is funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and delivered in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Trust, Birmingham City Council and Birmingham Hippodrome.

Covid Safety 

The safety of our staff, participants and audiences is our number one priority and we have designed Taking Steps to be covid secure. We are running the production at a reduced capacity to ensure that audiences are able to socially distance. Hand sanitiser will be provided and audiences members will be required to wear masks (unless exempt). We will also be following the Hippodrome Covid safety guidelines which requires all audiences 18+ to demonstrate their Covid-19 Status in order to watch a performance, you can find out more here:  https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/plan-your-visit/covidsafety/

Tye Ford Pop Art Exhibition Opening

What better way to start the new year than with a member artist exhibition? Join ORT Gallery to share and celebrate the opening of our very first exhibition of 2022. 

What better way to start the new year than with a member artist exhibition? Join ORT Gallery to share and celebrate the opening of our very first exhibition of 2022. 

Date: 20th January 2022

Doors open: 5pm

Duration: 1.5 hours, Free Entry

Venue: ORT Gallery, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath

About It’s A Pop World

A Pop Art exhibition by popular Birmingham Artist Tye Forde aka TFA, exploring how the modern world has become split during the Pandemic. Expect lots of colour, stormtroopers, talking points and some installations. 
 

About the Artist
 

Tye is a 49-year-old self-taught artist from Birmingham. 
 

“I always liked drawing mainly copying cartoons from magazines Superman and Judge Dread 2000AD. In the mid 80’s I had a keen interest in rise of Hip Hop in UK and also the early graffiti movement. I would be off doing “Tagging” around Birmingham and getting into trouble with the local police. After several arrests, community service and the threat of being chucked out the house by parents I decided its time to stop. So after a 20 year plus break, I got involved in Art after speaking to some other artists in The Cube Community Arts Centre located in Erdington. I rented a space at the Cube and then it all took its journey. I started studying all different types and styles of art from the masters and travelled all around Europe visiting art galleries, exhibitions and museums. After studying all the styles I decided I loved Pop Art and wanted to develop as a Pop Art Artist creating fun, strange funny pieces. I have great admiration for Renaissance Art, particularly artists such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Raphael. I also have respect for all art and especially graffiti artists who produce incredible pieces on difficult surfaces, in difficult conditions not using brushes and at incredible scales. I try to create pieces that people will enjoy and look at and hopefully not forget. I also wanted to keep Pop Art movement alive in Birmingham.”

Commonwealth Natural Wonders in Music

Creating a Commonwealth-wide video celebrating the natural wonders of the Commonwealth through music & art.

​Creating a Commonwealth-wide video celebrating the natural wonders of the Commonwealth through music & art.

Musicians, artists, photographers, creatives & composers – every age, ability, instrument & art form welcome!

This video will feature a ​new piece of music created by Commonwealth musicians, composers & creatives and illustrated by Commonwealth artists & photographers,
to demonstrate the variety & wide array of incredible wild & scenic locations around the Commonwealth, celebrating & sharing the diverse environmental riches in the Commonwealth.

​A contributor doesn’t have to be a performer – you could be an artist or creative illustrating the video, you could be involved in composing & creating the music, you could be a performer on the video.

Your music could be recorded natural sounds, traditional music from your country or practised performance from notated music provided by us.

There are 5 ways to be involved
Click on the coloured title for the application page

1) Submit recordings of Indigenous or Traditional Music from Your Commonwealth country
(eg ethnic drumming or panpipe groups, Haka, traditional chanting etc) 
​​
2) Submit recordings of Sounds of the Natural World from Your Commonwealth country (eg wind through the trees, bird song, the sounds of the waves & waterfalls) 

3) Submit Artworks & Photographs of Natural Wonders from Your Commonwealth country

4) Composer – creator of this new piece of music

5) Performer – musicians: instruments & vocals, any instrument, any ability, any age

This will be a Commonwealth celebration of outstanding local nature around the Commonwealth, released in time for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend in June 2022

​FAQ

  1. You must be currently resident in the Commonwealth country of your nationality
  2. Only individuals can apply, no groups
  3. You can be a contributor in any section that you want, you don’t need to pick just one
  4. You must have access to a smart phone or other video recording device or scanner so that you can get your submissions to us electronically
  5. If you are under 18, a Parent or Guardian must sign the permission form for you to be able to participate
  6. Everyone’s submissions will definitely be featured in one of the project’s videos
  7. This is voluntary, all participants will need to sign a release/permission form for their contributions to be used
  8. Email us with any questions at commonwealthmusic@hotmail.com

Connect & Create – Birmingham’s Arts & Health Network event #4

For anyone working in the health and social care sector in Birmingham looking to enhance their knowledge of arts activities which deliver social care outcomes. 

Venue: Midlands Arts Centre, MAC, Cannon Hill Park Birmingham, B12 9QH

When: 10am-4pm, Monday 28th Feb 2022 

Who is it for? 

Anyone working in the health and social care sector in Birmingham looking to enhance their knowledge of arts activities which deliver social care outcomes. 

Connect with: artists; activities; conversations; ideas; people; spaces; taster sessions; venue tours 

Create new: contacts; skills; experiences; knowledge; networks; friendships; ideas; passions; partnerships.

Further details to follow in 2022. 

For more information email: Artsandhealth@birmingham.gov.uk 

Balsall Heath Second Saturday – December 11th

The Cultural Activity Zone brings you Second Saturdays in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

The Cultural Activity Zone brings you Second Saturdays in Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

This monthly mini festival brings together families and residents to share and experience food, heritage, sport, arts, artisan products and literature. Bringing community organisations and businesses together for a regularly recurring event is a deliberate move to put our often-overlooked neighbourhood on the map, celebrate the diversity found here and promoting community cohesion.

FREE Craft Fair stalls for young makers

The GAP is holding a Winter Craft Fair on Saturday 11th December (11.30am – 4.30pm) and we’re offering young makers the opportunity to apply for a FREE stall to showcase and sell their products.

The GAP is holding a Winter Craft Fair on Saturday 11th December (11.30am – 4.30pm) and we’re offering young makers the opportunity to apply for a FREE stall to showcase and sell their products.

The GAP gallery space will be transformed into a mini market of all things hand-made – jewellery, textiles, ceramics, art prints, zines, gifts, etc… you name it! The craft fair will sit right next to our bustling, cosy cafe and will form part of Balsall Heath Second Saturday – a monthly mini-festival celebrating culture and community in the local area – so we’re sure to draw lots of visitors.

Applications are open to all young people (aged 25 and under) living in Birmingham, and we’d especially love to involve those living in Balsall Heath.

“Why is there an age limit?” As a youth arts organisation, our work is focused on generating opportunities for supporting the creative lives and livelihoods of young people.

To apply, simply fill in this application form – https://cutt.ly/nTuuTYJ

DEADLINE ~ Mon 22nd Nov, 5pm

We have a limited number of stall spaces and so will only be able to accept a small number of applications. We will notify you of the outcome by the end of Tues 23rd Nov.

For more information about The GAP, visit www.thegapartsproject.co.uk

Balsall Heath Second Saturday – 13th November

Balsall Heath Second Saturday is a monthly mini festival for families and residents to share and experience food, heritage, sport, arts, artisan products and literature.

Balsall Heath Second Saturday is a monthly mini festival for families and residents to share and experience food, heritage, sport, arts, artisan products and literature.

Bringing community organisations and businesses together for a regularly recurring event is a deliberate move to put our often-overlooked neighbourhood on the map, celebrate the diversity found here and promoting community cohesion.

The full listings for Saturday’s event are now up on the website and include badge making, board games, weaving workshops, pottery, a community meal, exhibitions and live music.

https://www.secondsaturday.org.uk/

Up, Down (and Somewhere in Between) – Ort Gallery members show

Every year Ort Gallery exhibits its members art work in a group show. This year the exhibition is curated by artist members Kathryn Sawbridge, Lesley Stewart and Maggie Leaver. There has been a rich and diverse response to this year’s theme, reflecting members’ personal, social and political perspectives.

Every year Ort Gallery exhibits its members art work in a group show. This year the exhibition is curated by artist members Kathryn Sawbridge, Lesley Stewart and Maggie Leaver. There has been a rich and diverse response to this year’s theme, reflecting members’ personal, social and political perspectives.

Exhibiting artists are:

Alfie P Moore | Amelia Rouse | Anisa Naz | Bernd Reichert | Ceridwen Raynor | Crow Dillon-Parkin | Erica Bloom | Fae Kilburn | Gina A Smith | Helen Garbett | Hilary Parle | Jameela Muncey | Jean Wilde | Jonnie Turpie | Joseph Lobi | Kathryn Sawbridge | Kirk Andrews | Maggie Leaver | Marcin Sz and Melissa Morris | Matt Greenhill | Mikeala Dowling | Patrick Willcocks | Rameesa Rehman | Sam Akram | Shir Beck


If you would like to join the Ort Gallery membership please find out more here. We are committed to supporting local artists with professional development and networking opportunities and work towards widening access and opportunity regardless of income. If you cannot afford the membership fee please get in touch.


Artwork on the flyer is by member Kathryn Sawbridge.

Creative Writing at Moseley Hive

Informal creative writing sessions with Chris Fewings at Moseley Hive on Tuesday

Informal creative writing sessions with Chris Fewings at Moseley Hive on Tuesdays.

Read, write, flow

You’re warmly invited to any or all of these in-person Tuesday afternoon creative writing sessions in November 2021. They will be held at Moseley Hive, B13 8DD from 3.30 to 5pm. My input will follow these themes, but you can write what you like!

2 Nov: Breathing & burning
9 Nov: The flow of words
16 Nov: Rain & river
23 Nov: Growing & ageing
30 Nov: Autumn to spring

These sessions are open to all adults – donations between £1 & £10 invited, but no one is excluded. Poetry or prose. Informal atmosphere- You can make your own tea/coffee.

Moseley Hive is a well-ventilated space with level access and a disabled toilet. You’re welcome to wear a mask or sit a little apart. It’s close to the traffic lights in Moseley ‘village’ where bus routes 1, 35 and 50 converge in south Birmingham, opposite the Co-op supermarket.

Chris Fewings has wide experience of facilitating creative writing for individuals and groups (see testimonials).

Feedback from my most recent workshop:
– a very inspiring session
– really enjoyed this
– it was just great, thank you!
– really enjoyed the two hours; sadly they passed too quickly
Any suggestions for improvements?
– None

#ReadWriteFlow

Venue: Moseley Hive

Cost: All adults welcome, donations invited (£1-£10)

Dates and times: Tuesdays 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 November 2021, 3.30-5pm

More information and booking: https://writeyourworldalive.today/course/creative-writing-sessions-each-tuesday-in-november/

Pumpkin Days in November at Pacha House, Friends Institute

Pumpkin Day, to learn about this amazing family of vegetables and their beneficial nourishing properties. (Friendlier Alternative to Halloween!).

Pumpkin Day, to learn about this amazing family of vegetables and their beneficial nourishing properties. (Friendlier Alternative to Halloween!).

When? Saturday 30th October, Also on the 6th, 13th, 20th of November. 12pm start, Stalls at 3pm and candle lights at 6pm.

Venue: The Friends’ Institute, 220 Moseley Road, B12 0DG

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pachahouseatfriendsinstitute/

Pacha House, Friends Institute

Starting from the 5th of October 2021, we are running 12 weeks of adult crafting sessions every Tuesday and gentle holistic therapy sessions every Friday. Free refreshments and option of a pay-as-you-feel lunch.

Peace Sanctuary. Mental Health Awareness.

Starting from the 5th of October 2021, we are running 12 weeks of adult crafting sessions every Tuesday and gentle holistic therapy sessions every Friday. Free refreshments and option of a pay-as-you-feel lunch.

For more information, request to join the Private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1281740178856033/

Also take a look at the Pacha house Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pachahouseatfriendsinstitute/

Venue: The Friends’ Institute, 220 Moseley Road, B12 0DG

E-mail address: friendsinstitutetrust@gmail.com