We are excited to collaborate with the ORT gallery and, in conjunction with Balsall Heath Second Saturdays, to host a workshop inspired by the current Exhibition – People of the Garáṇ.
Join us for a hands-on creative workshop to design and paint your own papier-mâché pen pots.
The art of papier-mâché involves two key stages: 1) Sakhtasazi – making the base structure using paper pulp, and 2) Naqashi – hand-painting the intricate decorative patterns.
In this workshop, we will demonstrate the traditional process of preparing paper pulp, making a mould, and creating a smooth surface to paint on decorative motifs. You will be provided with a pre-made mould to design and paint your own papier-mâché object using traditional Kashmiri motifs.
Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.
As part of our upcoming exhibition Fabric of Faith: the Arts & Textiles of the Hajj (EXHIBITION – Fabric of Faith: the Arts & Textiles of the Hajj | MIAH Foundation) and in conjunction with Balsall Heath Second Saturday, join us at the MIAH foundation to create a calligraphy composition on a canvas in a relaxed and creative setting.
You will have the opportunity to use one of the original Kiswa panels on display, from the late 19th century, as a template to create your composition. We will use gesso (a white primer) to create a raised design and cover it using imitation gold leaf, reflecting the aesthetics of the original piece.
The workshop is suitable for adults and children (13+).
Ticket price: £17.50 (+ ticket fees)
All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.
Image reference; late 19th-century Kiswa panel from the Ka’ba. Copyright reserved to MIAH Foundation.
Learn to make sustainable textile jewellery with Mahawa from award-winning Mansading Textile. Inspired by a traditional African wrapping technique. Preserving traditional hand textile skills and using up waste fabrics and yarn, you will create a beautiful necklace or bracelet to wear or gift.
Browse, Borrow and Return is thisThe first Browse, Borrow & Return of 2026 will be on Saturday 10th Jan 📕 It will coincide with Balsall Heath Second Saturday (@balsallheathsecondsaturday) so there will be lots going on throughout the day @oldprintworksbrum and locally!
All BRL activities will take place in the Drawing Room @oldprintworksbrum unless stated otherwise
Browse, Borrow & Return Explore the Birmingham Resistance Library collection and borrow a book. No membership required. You can browse the catalogue in advance online too at www.birminghamresistancelibrary.co.uk (link in bio) 1-5 pm
Design and Colour in a Bookmark Drop-in activity suitable for all ages 1-5pm
REC’s Community Pop-up DVD Library Radical Exhibition Collective’s (@radicalexhibition) community DVD library has been created with the intent to increase access to independent film and moving image in Birmingham. With a focus on platforming subaltern expression and films that may be unavailable to freely stream, rent or find online, REC’s pop-up DVD library recognises the value film holds in the cultural sphere and seeks to address gaps in engaging with it. 1-5pm
Book Return💫 If you’ve borrowed a book from the library, please remember to return it this upcoming Browse, Borrow & Return session
Donations✨ Donate a book on the day, link in bio for our wish list or donate a book related to ‘resistance’ that you have read and recommend.
About REC @radicalexhibition Radical Exhibition Collective is a film collective with the aim to support the development of access to film culture in Birmingham. Through diasporic programming and centring subaltern expression, REC seeks to increase access to independent, archival and experimental film and moving image. They recognise the potential of film watching spaces as sites of resistance, community gathering and a tool for collective liberation.
Screen printing drop in. Come and create a screen printed poster celebrating Birmingham as a welcoming city and place of refuge. Cut out your own shapes to use, or use some of our own. All materials provided.
Screen printing drop in. Come and create a screen printed poster celebrating Birmingham as a welcoming city and place of refuge. Cut out your own shapes to use, or use some of our own. All materials provided.
Join us for an afternoon of painting the Damascus Rose on your own ceramic charger or bowl while you learn about the story and symbolism of this beautiful flower. At the end of the session, you can take home your own ceramic to decorate your home or contain your favourite items.
Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.
The next Browse, Borrow & Return day is on November 9th in The Drawiing Room at The Old Print Works
Browse, Borrow & Return✨ Explore the Birmingham Resistance Library collection and borrow a book. No membership required. You can browse the catalogue in advance online too at birminghamresistancelibrary.co.uk 1-5 pm
Design and Colour in a Bookmark✨ Drop-in activity suitable for all ages 1-5 pm
The Trinity of Fundamentals Reading Group ✨ Led by @pymbritain 2-4 pm @the____gap Basement
Read and Reflect Circle✨ Led by @pymbritain and @y.f.f.p 4.30-5.30 pm
Book Return✨ If you’ve borrowed a book, please remember to return it this upcoming Browse, Borrow & Return session
Donations✨ Donate a book on the day, either from the wish list or donate a book related to ‘resistance’ that you have read and recommend.
The GAP invites you to join them this @balsallheathsecondsaturday to create your own visual artwork responding to the theme of ‘CYCLES’ and submit it to be included in an upcoming group exhibition in The GAP Gallery 💫💫💫
A wide variety of art materials will be provided, as well as prompts to inspire imaginative responses to the theme 🎨🖌️✂️✏️🧶🚲🌛🌪️🌱🌻🍂❄️🌀🌍💫🕐
The fourth in a series of beginners crochet workshops at consecutive Balsall Heath Second Saturdays. This workshop will help you to start seeing the potential of crochet. And you’ll take home your work at the end of the session. Left-handed tuition available
Two films about retrofit: our homes and neighbourhoods, and the huge 1960s Smallbrook Ringway building in the city centre.
RETROFIT REIMAGINED – embargoed film preview!
We’re delighted to preview in Balsall Heath this inspiring 18 minute film.
Retrofit means insulating your home to cut fuel bills, cut carbon, improve health, give new jobs and skills.
Retrofit Balsall Heath is a community-led local group, and co-founder of RETROFIT REIMAGINED Festival, created in July 2022 in collaborative with Civic Square in Ladywood and others.
Retrofit Balsall Heath is working to embody RETROFIT REIMAGINED’s foundational question: “What if the climate transition and retrofit of our homes and streets were designed, owned and governed by the people who live there?”
In autumn 2023, RETROFIT REIMAGINED toured to five venues across the UK, launching in Balsall Heath at Moseley Road Baths. This beautifully created film tells the whole story.
18 minutes
SAVING SMALLBROOK – fresh from première at Flatpack film festival!
Although Birmingham City Council’s planning committee voted to demolish Smallbrook Ringway Centre, the fight is still on, with a new legal challenge.
This 2-year ongoing planning battle has been captured on film by Liverpool’s Doberman Films, in a new documentary which explores the city’s ambivalent relationship with its post-war heritage.
Like its sister building the Rotunda, Smallbrook Ringway Centre was designed in the 1960s by Birmingham architect Jim Roberts.
Retrofitting would be much lower carbon than the 187 million kg of CO2 for demolition and rebuilding.
25 minutes
Free event, with Q&A, and donations invited to Save Smallbrook crowdfunding campaign
The third in a series of beginners crochet workshops at consecutive Balsall Heath Second Saturdays. This workshop will help you to start seeing the potential of crochet. And you’ll take home your work at the end of the session. Left-handed tuition available
Taught by the Pen: the Qur’an and Calligraphy explores the role of the art of calligraphy in the preservation of the Qur’an in its written form through the centuries. The exhibition was launched during the month of Ramadan, during which the first verses were revealed.
The exhibition will be open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 12pm-6pm, MIAH Foundation
Join our beginners crochet workshops at consecutive Balsall Heath Second Saturdays. In April we’ll be making Granny Squares. This workshop will help you to start seeing the potential of crochet. And you’ll take home your piece at the end of the session. Left-handed tuition available.
Come to the first in a series of beginners crochet workshops at consecutive Balsall Heath Second Saturdays. In March we’ll kick off with learning to start your crochet with a magic ring (they really are magic!), along with learning four other basic stitches. This workshop will help you to start seeing the potential of crochet. And you’ll take home a star at the end of the session. Left-handed tuition available
