Birmingham 2022 Festival, working with GRAIN Projects and Multistory, presents GENERATIONS, taking place in Birmingham and the Black Country, in celebration of the city and region’s communities during the time of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Birmingham 2022 Festival, working with GRAIN Projects and Multistory, presents GENERATIONS, taking place in Birmingham and the Black Country, in celebration of the city and region’s communities during the time of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The first project of its kind in Birmingham and the Black Country invites four and five generation families to take part and be photographed for exhibition during the Birmingham 2022 Festival, a six month celebration which will spotlight creativity and culture in the West Midlands as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
GENERATIONS celebrates families, individuals, diversity and the people of Birmingham and the West Midlands in large-scale photographic portraiture. Based on the format of the family portrait the artist will use a large format camera to work collaboratively with families of four and five generations from across the region. The photographs will be displayed largescale, will capture details and provoke questions about our life and times.
Artist Julian Germain is seeking to work with four and five generation families from across Birmingham and the Black Country. If you are interested in your family taking part and being photographed for GENERATIONS contact the team at hello@grainphotographyhub.co.uk
The group portraits present people at different stages of life; new-borns, infants, children, teens and their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and great great-grandparents. Fundamental questions are raised that relate to us all; life, death, time and the effects of time, where do we come from and where will we go?
The project will be exhibited largescale in prominent spaces in the public realm, including on billboards, poster and exhibition sites in the region throughout the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
Running from March to September 2022 as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Birmingham 2022 Festival will feature hundreds of creative commissions across the region including art, photography, dance, theatre, digital art and more. Find out more and register for the latest updates at birmingham2022.com/festival.
GENERATIONS is generously supported by Arts Council England and National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Time period: Some rehearsal dates TBC and performance (22nd February 2022)
Hours and fee: As this project in in a R&D phase, this will be decided following an initial conversation with B’Opera. The fee will meet the Living Wage standard of at least £10 per hour.
Location: In rehearsals in Edgbaston, Ladywood, Hall Green and Sparkbrook, Birmingham
The Role: To play for B’Opera’s newly commissioned piece More in Common at The Springfield Project on 22nd Feb 2022, attending rehearsals beforehand.
Person Specification
We are particularly keen to hear from people local to Sparkhill where the project is taking place and we actively encourage applications from those who reflect the demographic of those who access The Springfield Project’s services.
You are an experienced instrumentalist/musician.
Some experience working with children and families, or desire to gain some
You may play more than one instrument and be happy to perform on both
You may be happy to use your singing voice to add harmonies
A positive attitude with a high level of self-motivation and ability to work on your initiative, reliable
How to Apply: Please email a short biography along with any relevant links to your work; and either of the below detailing why you are interested in the role to hello@artworkshallgreen.co.uk
A cover note OR
A maximum 5-minute voice note
Deadline: UPDATED from previous advertised deadline to 5pm on Friday 14th January
B’Opera are seeking an Apprentice Artist to support their ‘More in Common’ project with Art Works at The Springfield Project in Sparkhill.
B’Opera are seeking an Apprentice Artist to support their ‘More in Common’ project with Art Works at The Springfield Project in Sparkhill.
Organisation: B’Opera and Art Works Hall Green Production: More in Common (working title)
Time period: From devising (December 2021) to performance (February 2022)
Hours and fee: £10 per hour for 37.5 hours (to be confirmed with B’Opera on appointment)
Location: In meetings/rehearsals online and in Edgbaston, Ladywood, Hall Green and Sparkhill, Birmingham
The Role: The Apprentice Artist will gain all-round experience tailored to their current skills and needs, to include workshop-leading or shadowing, devising, performing, project administration, marketing and contributing to the evaluation. We will also make available CPD and training, for example through the Birmingham Early Years Music Consortium, Sounds of Play. There will be mentoring available, allowing the shadow artist to talk through and reflect on their experiences on the ground, with a structured framework to think about them in ways that will deepen and further their learning. Involvement in this project will give the shadow artist valuable networking opportunities within the sector with the potential to lead to future independent professional opportunities. Art Works will actively seek opportunities to support a Shadow Artist through our networks and other programmes across Hall Green.
Person Specification
We are particularly keen to hear from people local to Sparkhill where the project is taking place and we actively encourage applications from those who reflect the demographic of those who access The Springfield Project’s services.
Some music/singing experience
Some experience leading workshops, or desire to gain some
Some experience working with children under 5, or desire to gain some
Some experience of using social media and creating graphics and posts to communicate effectively
Open and honest communication
A positive attitude with a high level of self-motivation and ability to work on your initiative
How to Apply: Please email a short biography along with any relevant links to your work; and either of the below detailing why you are interested in the role to hello@artworkshallgreen.co.uk
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.
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
MY CITY, MYHOME, a brand new book featuring a collection of writings by women and girls in Birmingham (UK), Bangladesh and Pakistan, has been launched at a special event at Midlands Arts Centre hosted by writer and author Kavita Bhanot.
MY CITY, MY HOME a brand-new book featuring a collection of writings by women and girls in Birmingham (UK), Bangladesh and Pakistan, has been launched at a special event at Midlands Arts Centre hosted by writer and author Kavita Bhanot.
Published in English, Urdu and Bangla, MY CITY, MY HOME is a ground-breaking publication featuring 184 poems, short-stories and other prose from writers, and those new to writing, reflecting on the identity and the role of women in 21st century society.
The book was made possible through a specially commissioned, international writing competition launched by Sampad South Asian Arts & Heritage in September 2020, a year which marked the company’s 30th anniversary.
Birmingham-based Sampad, one of the UK’s leading arts development agencies, worked alongside Project Associates in Pakistan and Bangladesh connecting online with diverse groups of women and girls in their countries and supporting them through workshops to participate.
As the world is reeling under the impact of a pandemic ‘MY CITY, MY HOME’ illuminates the possibilities of uniting women across nations to express poignantly that they do have the power of words that can make a difference in our societies, now and in the future.
Piali Ray OBE, Artistic Director at Sampad said “The theme MY CITY, MY HOME’ has strong personal resonance with me in the same way that itconnected with many women who responded to our call for this writing competition.
It was greatly rewarding to receive 280 entries from the many unheard voices of women who shared their emotions, ambitions, joys, dreams, disappointments, resentment and pain. Their words resonate with each other towards a place of strength, identity and belonging. We connect in their personal journeys and treasured memories and it is a delight to be able to share them.”
Out of the 184 entries selected by judges, three overall winners were chosen for their particular writing skills and themes and are featured in the book each representing their own location:
English language: Ilika Chakravarty Mandal, Birmingham, UK, ‘Yellow Sweater’
Urdu language: Nadia Umer, Lahore, Pakistan. ‘Shehar Kay Dil’
Commenting on her work Bangladesh overall winner Shahana Yasmin said: “In Dhaka, the city I live in, you can see mothers of school children waiting outside the school for 5 to 6 hours every day. This city does not have any public toilets for women. These mothers cannot go to the toilet for a long time and develop urinary diseases. Their husbands don’t find them attractive so they have relationships with other women. I wanted to write about the plight of these mothers. ‘MY CITY, MY HOME’ inspired me to write this.”
Ilika Chakravarty Mandal, Birmingham (UK) overall winner added: “Having moved across cities and continents through study, marriage, work and motherhood, I have often questioned myself: What is home? Where is home? ‘MY CITY, MY HOME’ was a topic to which my persona instantly connected. So much so, that I picked up my pen after almost thirty years to use the dying art of letter writing in a personal note for my ageing mum, who now seemed even more geographically distanced in a post-COVID world. To see my story published and shared is simply fabulous and I am inspired to try writing more regularly.”
‘MY CITY, MY HOME’ is part of Transforming Narratives, a groundbreaking project that supports creative and cultural practitioners and organisations in Birmingham to engage in exchange with artists and organisations in cities in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Sophina Jagot, Project Director Transforming Narratives commented: “Transforming Narratives offers a range of platforms for new artistic voices, exchanging narratives around contemporary lived experience across Birmingham (UK), Pakistan and Bangladesh and MY CITY, MY HOME certainly delivers on that ambition.
We are delighted to be working with Sampad to share the words of women across these three countries, in some instances sharing their words for the first time, and to feel a connection with all their experiences and ambitions.”
MY CITY, MY HOME, published by Sampad South Asian Arts & Heritage, is available via marketing@sampad.org.uk
Amongst those attending the launch were: Piali Ray OBE (Artistic Director, Sampad), Nushin Hussain (Project Coordinator,Transforming Narratives), Dawn Carr (Health and Well-Being Officer & SIMRA at Legacy West Midlands), Sarah Kennedy (Senior Relationship Manager, Arts Council England), Deborah Kermode (CEO/Artistic Director, Midlands Arts Centre).
Sampad would like to thank all those involved with the making of this publication.
Sampad acknowledges support from the British Council, Arts Council England, Transforming Narratives andBirmingham City Council.
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.
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.
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
Sally Harper from Sharper Arts shares information about her most recent project, with a group who meet at Highfield Hall in Hall Green.
Sally Harper from Sharper Arts shares information about her most recent project, with a group who meet at Highfield Hall in Hall Green.
Soothing stitches – The aim of the project
To reach out to adults 50+ members of the community that may be isolated or lonely and engage them in a group activity, to enable them to feel part of a group. Sally will do this by providing weekly makes and interactions through face-to-face workshops and craft kits. These kits would be created, distributed, and workshops led by Sharper Arts. For the people not attending the workshops Sally will be offering advice and help to create the items from the kits through social media, WhatsApp and by e-mail.
The six kits/ workshops will include fabric hearts, fabric jewellery, bunting, pockets and pouches, handmade books, and fabric wreaths.
Our ‘Sip and Stitch’ session will be face to face workshops that will last an hour and will be taking place at Highfield Hall. This will allow members of the community to come together, try out a new skill and share what they have made with others. There will be 10 places available for the face-to-face workshops and a further 15 kits available for members of the community to collect to make at home.
The whole soul of the project would be to keep the community connected and have a sense of achievement in these troubling times and living through a pandemic.
Four focus areas of the project
Together: This project is all about coming together, making friends, combating isolation and loneliness, and enjoying working together to experience different ideas.
Environmental: We will be using as much recycled fabric, materials, threads, and trims as we possibly can. Materials have come from donations and from local scrap stores rather than buying new fabrics we can re purpose and redesign to use materials destined for landfill.
Up skill: Everything that we will make will be very simple. No need for a sewing machine or fancy gadget or materials, Sally has designed the sessions so that they are easily accessible to a wide range of people. The hope is that once the people attending the workshops have created from their kits, they will share with family members and friends.
Sharing: To empower and celebrate everything that is created. There is no right or wrong to this project and it would be great to share lots of different ideas that have had the same starting point. Social media and WhatsApp will enable us to share with those not attending the sessions but might want to give the ideas a go in the future.
Sally Harper from Sharper Arts is a community artist who has been delivering projects and workshops for over 20 years within the West Midlands. As a small organisation the work that Sally does is inspired by the needs of the community as she delivers quality projects in conjunction with other organisations such as Near Neighbours, Sampad and The Springfield Project within the local area. There is a big focus on bringing the community together to combat isolation and loneliness as well as sharing new skills and developing ideas together.
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.
Join the People’s Heritage Co-operative this Half Term to find out more about the history of our rights and representation and make your own banner.
Join the People’s Heritage Co-operative this Half Term to find out more about the history of our rights and representation and make your own banner.
During October Half Term, families are invited to Moseley Road Baths to a free drop-in workshop to make a banner to go alongside banners created by community participants as part of the Represent exhibition. Taking inspiration from stories of how people have historically made change in their communities, in our city and further afield, this is a chance to get creative and make your voice heard.
Whatever the issue closest to your heart – social justice, our environment, education, healthcare, inequality, animal welfare, safer streets – come and follow in the footsteps of Brummies of the past and express your ideas for the world to see!
Date and time: Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th October, 2pm-5pm
Venue: Gala Pool, Moseley Road Baths, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath B12 9BX
Booking: None needed, turn up on the day and staff will direct you to the Gala Pool
Women from Saheli Hub raise their banners as part of Represent’s community heritage project
We hope that this project sparks conversations and ideas about political organisation and representation a century ago and in the present day. Share your thoughts with us on Social Media by using the hashtag #RepresentBrum.
Please note that the Gala Pool is accessed by steps leading into the pool, therefore we regret that it is not fully accessible for people with limited mobility. In terms of Covid-19 safety, the Gala Pool is a spacious and well ventilated area. We strongly encourage visitors to make use of hand sanitiser provided and respect the space of others.
LEAP Ambassadors are a group of young people aged 16-25 who are selected via application onto Birmingham Royal Ballet’s professional development programme, led by the Learning, Engagement, Access & Participation department. The programme offers a unique opportunity for young people to investigate behind the scenes, experience practical projects, develop new skills, meet new people and become an integral part to a vibrant arts organisation.
LEAP Ambassadors are a group of young people aged 16-25 who are selected via application onto Birmingham Royal Ballet’s professional development programme, led by the Learning, Engagement, Access & Participation department. Theprogramme offers a unique opportunity for young people to investigate behind the scenes, experience practical projects, develop new skills, meet new people and become an integral part to a vibrant arts organisation.
Ambassadors participate in group training sessions, which offer insight into the various departments and job roles available in a large arts organisation. These include Project Management, Company Management, Brand, Marketing & Communications, Technical Production and much more! Adding further value, Ambassadors receive a personalised training programme tailored to their interests, where they have the chance to shadow a member of staff and gain invaluable ‘hands on’ experience.
Following a successful pilot year in 19/20 and a year break due to the pandemic, we’re delighted to be opening the doors to this programme again. This year’s programme will take place November 2021 – July 2022 and culminate with a sharing of the Ambassadors achievements and the LEAP Ambassadors Celebration on Friday 8 July 2022 in the Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome.
How do I apply?
Please download the LEAP Ambassadors application pack and application form from our website:
The deadline for applications is Friday 22 October 2021. Any applications received after this date will not be accepted.
Please note this programme is not suited to people working professionally in the arts.Want to find out more?
If you have any queries about applications or would like to informally ask for more details about the programme, please contact Hannah MacGregor on 0121 245 3534 or email hannahmacgregor@brb.org.uk
The Set Designer will be responsible for all aspects of sourcing materials for, designing and building sets for B’Opera’s forthcoming production of More In Common (working title).
Organisation: B’Opera and Art Works Hall Green
Time period: From devising (October 2021) to performance (February 2022)
Fee: £1,000 inclusive of materials budget.
Location: In rehearsals in Edgbaston, Ladywood, Hall Green and Sparkbrook, Birmingham
Purpose of the role: The Set Designer will be responsible for all aspects of sourcing materials for, designing and building sets for B’Opera’s forthcoming production of More In Common (working title).
The Designer/Maker will report to the Director.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To design and oversee the purchase and/or making of props, costume and any set
To instruct the cast on how to set the props and any set for performance
To attend some rehearsals and participate in design and production meetings
When designing, to consider the different venue spaces the performances may be shown in and design a set that can be scaled up and down – e.g., for digital and outdoor performances
To make a site visit to the location in Sparkbrook
To provide own tools and other specialist equipment required
Adhere to, and actively contribute to B’Opera and Art Works Hall Green policies, including Equalities (diversity, access, equal opportunities), Environmental and Health & Safety
To maximise income and minimise expenditure wherever possible, without jeopardising the quality of the work or the reputation of B’Opera
Person Specification
Experience designing costumes, props or set for professional performances or other comparable experience
Be able to creatively and effectively work to a brief
Experience working to design budgets
Open and honest communication
A positive attitude with a high level of self-motivation and ability to work on your initiative
How to Apply:
Please email a biography along with any images of your design work; and either of the below detailing why you are interested in the role to hello@artworkshallgreen.co.uk
A cover note OR
A maximum 5-minute voice note
Deadline: Thursday 14th October 12 midday
About B’Opera
B’Opera make beautiful music for young ears, through high quality, interactive musical experiences. Our aim is to make classical music available to babies, toddlers and their grown-ups of all backgrounds.
We’re committed to equal opportunities and to creating a work environment free from discrimination in which all can thrive. We recognise and value the benefits of a diverse workforce and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. B’Opera are particularly keen to provide opportunities to mothers and primary care-givers.
The National Trust in Birmingham is recruiting for a Project Manager and Senior Project Coordinator to work with us on our ‘Blossom Together’ project to coincide with the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
The National Trust in Birmingham is recruiting for a Project Manager and Senior Project Coordinator to work with us on our ‘Blossom Together’ project to coincide with the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
Blossom is the National Trust’s multi-year national programme and campaign that’s all about embedding blossom season as a time in the year for us to celebrate and reflect, connect with nature, culture and each other; and next year we’re bringing Blossom to Birmingham.
These roles will be working with partners to deliver a programme that seeks to bring blossom to unexpected places and green spaces through a series of blossom tree ‘installations’ and a programme of tree planting in communities and a range of places across Birmingham and the Black Country during 2022 and 2023.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 3 October.
Balsall Heath Second Saturday. A monthly festival celebrating community, arts, heritage, sports, and food in Balsall Heath.
Balsall Heath Second Saturday. A monthly festival celebrating community, arts, heritage, sports, and food in Balsall Heath.
A festival celebrating the rich community of Balsall Heath; praising its history, diversity and creativity each month and firmly putting us on the map as a destination for families to enjoy.
Over the next 6 months, Second Saturday aims to highlight the work of leading arts, heritage and community organisations based on Moseley Road who want to join together and promote their shared values of raising the profile of Balsall Heath.
We aim to bring people from different faith and ethnic backgrounds together and sing the praises of Balsall Heath, a deprived area of our city.
Kick starting on the 9th October, our mini festival for families and residents who will expect to experience local food, heritage buildings, well-being, arts, and literature.
Firmly putting our often overlooked neighbourhood on the map, celebrate the diversity found here and promote community cohesion.
Each ‘Second Saturday’ takes place from 10am-10pm on the following dates:
9th Oct
13th Nov
11th Dec
8th Jan
12th Feb
12th Mar
The organisations involved and who will host Second Saturday’s program of events are:
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
