EXHIBITION – ‘Drawing Connections ~ Stories of Community Spirit in Balsall Heath’

Haseebah Ali that celebrate some of the social spaces and sites of community spirit that can be found in both the past and present of Balsall Heath.

This exhibition shares a series of illustrations by local young artist Haseebah Ali that celebrate some of the social spaces and sites of community spirit that can be found in both the past and present of Balsall Heath.

Commissioned by us at The GAP Arts Project, each of Haseebah’s illustrations responds to a specific story drawn from oral history interviews that we conducted with eight members of the Balsall Heath community throughout 2020, excerpts of which are displayed alongside the images.

Taking place within barbershops, convenience stores, youth centres, Carnival, garden centres and more, these illustrations and the stories contained within them highlight the community connections between people living in the area and how these threads are weaved across time and space.

We’re inviting all our visitors to respond to the exhibition by creating a postcard design that shares your own personal stories, memories and experiences of Balsall Heath’s social spaces and community spirit. Draw and write on one of the blank postcards provided, then add this to our collection by hanging it up in our cafe display area for others to view!

Free. All materials provided. Self-led activity. All ages welcome! Take part at any time during our opening hours.

Where: The GAP Arts Project, 498 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, B12 9AH

When: 13th September – 16th October

Website: www.thegapartsproject.co.uk

Contact: ella@thegapartsproject.co.uk