Balsall Heath Second Saturday

The Second Saturday of the Month

Category: Birmingham

  • SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION

    SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION

    SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION 🧵✨ ✊

    This exhibition showcases the artworks produced by Sewing Solidarity, a GAP project led by artist Jane Thakoordin that invited young people aged 13 – 18 to create a series of new banners for Balsall Heath and The GAP inspired by the trade union banner tradition.

    Over several months, young people took part in a series of sessions at The GAP in which we explored working class stories, local histories and banner art, and experimented with textile design techniques and slogans to co-design and collectively create five beautiful banners.

    The final designs bring together traditional and contemporary elements, and are inspired by the diversity and culture of Balsall Heath, and the richness of its community spirit and generosity despite not being monetarily rich. In times of difficulty, people have come together to support one another and show solidarity, despite our differences.

    In the trade union tradition, the Sewing Solidarity banners have been created as lasting pieces that can be used at community events, protests, demonstrations and celebrations to represent our solidarity for years to come. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for how or where these banners might be displayed in the local area!

    About the artists

    Jane Thakoordin is a participatory artist with over 30 years experience of co-creation with groups and organisations both regionally and nationally. Using textiles as the main medium, Jane draws on her background as a mental health professional and tutor to create spaces where people can experiment and express themselves. Follow Jane @janethakoordin_

    Project participants – Nimra, Naveera, Ruby, Mohamed, Mohammed, Nasaradin, Mariya, Zahra, Chi, Ezra, Jo, Hala, Mariya, Ayda, and everyone who joined us at Balsall Heath Second Saturday!

    Funded by @westmids_ca and @bhamcitycouncil

  • Islamic Bookbinding Workshop

    Islamic Bookbinding Workshop

    Join us at MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery to be introduced to the traditional techniques of Islamic manuscript bookbinding.

    During this workshop, you will examine a traditional manuscript in-person and learn the basic techniques of constructing a traditional Islamic manuscript. From collating the pages into signatures and sewing them into a textblock, to attaching them to a soft binding. You will create your own soft-cover notebook from scratch to take home and enjoy.

    This is an opportunity to get a glimpse into the traditional craft of bookbinding. All materials will be provided.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for ages 11+ years.

    This workshop will be delivered by Dr. Neelam Hussain, Curator of the Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern Manuscripts at the Cadbury Research Library, University of Birmingham. She is a specialist in Islamic manuscripts and material culture.

    Tickets

    Tickets must be booked in advance using the link.

    Standard Ticket: £21 (+ ticket fees)

    REFUND POLICY: Please note that tickets are only refunded (minus the Eventbrite admin fee) if requested more than 7 days before the event.

    DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, THIS BOOKBINDING WORKSHOP WILL BE REPEATED ONE MORE TIME IN FEBRUARY.

    Through translations, manuscripts, and groundbreaking inventions by Arab and Persian scholars of the Middle Ages, this exhibition reveals how ideas and science traveled across continents, shaping our world today. Featuring artwork from manuscripts, infographics, original objects, facsimiles, short-films and an activity table for different ages to explore the themes of the exhibition, there is lots to do for everyone.

    Public Exhibition Dates: Thursday 14th November to Saturday 21st December 2024; open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Initially we are only releasing November dates – the December dates will only be released if there is sufficient demand beyond November.

    Admission: Free, but limited tickets so please book in advance (please check our website for timeslots and to reserve your visit).

    SCHOOLS, HOME EDUCATION & YOUTH GROUPS WELCOME:
    Our exhibition dives into STEM and history topics for KS2-KS4, from the Islamic Golden Age to the Silk Roads and the history of medicine. Perfect for an educational trip! Limited guided talk slots are open on Thursdays & Fridays. Email us at contact@miahfoundation.com with your group size, 2-3 date options (Thurs/Fri, Nov-Dec), and preferred time (12pm, 2:30pm, or 4:30pm).

    Please share and spread the word. We look forward to welcoming you!

  • Story time club – Al-Sufi

    Story time club – Al-Sufi

    MIAH Foundations weekly story-time club continues alongside the new exhibition, ‘From Samarkand to Salerno: Roads of
    Enlightenment.’

    This enriching club delves into the lives and
    achievements of Muslim scholars and scientists,
    serving as the perfect complement to the exhibition. It’s also a great opportunity for your children to engage with the exhibition in an interactive and meaningful way.

    Join us this Saturday for a focus on Al-Sufi- In this exciting storytime session, kids will learn about Al-Sufi, the renowned astronomer, and his contributions to the study of the stars and constellations. They’ll explore how Al-Sufi cataloged stars and mapped the skies. Following the story, kids will create their own galaxy.

    Join us every Saturday, from 10:30 AM to
    11:30 AM, for a journey of learning and inspiration!

    As part of the experience, each child will receive a
    Storytime passport to collect custom stickers for every
    session they attend, enhancing their educational
    adventure.

    Please visit the link to book your place: Link in bio

    Please note: This event is suitable for ages 5 to 7
    years, and all children must be accompanied by an
    adult at all times.

  • Censoring Palestine – SOPS film night

    Censoring Palestine – SOPS film night

    Book in advance 👇

    SOPS FILM NIGHT – CENSORING PALESTINE – SATURDAY 11TH JAN 2025 7PM

  • The Old Print Works Festive Market

    The Old Print Works Festive Market

    Bric a brac/clothes/curios and more – pick up some gifts from the festive market at Balsall Heath Second Saturday

    If you would like to be part of the market, please message us – info@secondsaturday.org.uk

  • Darkroom workshop with Darkroom Birmingham

    Darkroom workshop with Darkroom Birmingham

    If you’re interested in learning analogue black and white processing, these two workshops are a great introduction to developing film and making prints from negatives. More info here https://darkroombirmingham.co.uk/

  • Botanical Drawings and Paintings

    Botanical Drawings and Paintings

    Join us for a unique workshop where participants will create botanical illustrations inspired by Kitab al-Diryak, a historic Arabic pharmacopeia known for its detailed plant depictions. Guided by a skilled artist, you’ll explore traditional art techniques while taking a deeper dive into the pages of this beautiful manuscript. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced artist, this workshop offers a creative journey into the intersection of art, history, and botany. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

    This workshop is being run as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.

    12 – 3pm | Saturday 14th December 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Secure your place below. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Register on Eventbrite
  • The Old Print Works Christmas Party

    The Old Print Works Christmas Party

    Christmas Party/December 14th from 5.30pm in the Drawing Room/Bar plus you can bring your own/food plus you can bring a dish too/open to co-workers, studio partners and their members and friends and everyone who has been part of our journey this year

  • Make some wooden decorations with Pathcarvers

    Make some wooden decorations with Pathcarvers

    Come join us at The Old Print Works for a fun-filled event where you can get creative and make your own wooden decorations with the Pathcarvers – all welcome

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Becca’s Pull for Palestine – For The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund –

    Becca’s Pull for Palestine – For The Palestine Children’s Relief Fund –

    6:30pm in The Drawing Room at The Old Print Works

    Starting my deadlift redemption arc after a difficult training season… In the next few weeks I’m working on getting my deadlift back to 150kg or more.

    Raising funds for Palestine is my pre-workout. Any amount, large or small, that you can chip in is massively appreciated. All money pledged goes directly to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). See their website www.pcrf.net for more information about their life-saving work.

    To donate, click link below

    https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/pcrf1/campaign.jsp?campaign=37444&fundraiser=954403&

  • Birmingham resistance Library

    Birmingham resistance Library

    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.

  • Memories Carried

    Memories Carried

    ****Full timetable of activities to follow, including games, music, discussion and more*****

    Following the inaugural Memories Carried exhibition at the Amnesty International’s London HQ in May 2024, and the launch event at the MIAH Foundation on the 26th October 2024, Art Forward are proud to announce the expanded Memories Carried Campaign and International Touring Exhibition.

    The exhibition series brings together over 20 international photographers and activists, including artists from Palestine, the wider Arab Region, across Latin America, the UK and Europe, as well as Israel, all committed to raising funds for charities on the ground in OPT and Lebanon. Exhibitions will take place in Birmingham and Newcastle, UK; Paris, France and Berlin, Germany, supporting Al Haq, Al Mezan, The Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund, and Health Workers for Palestine.

    As part of the campaign, The Wall of Hope initiative will invite the public to take portraits of friends and family with a personal message of hope, which can be submitted online with a donation and an invitation to others to do the same. Beyond raising funds, the aim is to create a digital wall of portraits to offer hope and solidarity with the people of Gaza. This will be exhibited online and internationally at events, including projections on public landmarks.

    Through an evolving programme of exhibitions, film screenings and workshops, and most importantly through community building and conversation, this campaign will educate the public, support organisations working on the ground in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, and build a repository of hope with international reach.

    Memories Carried will unite prominent voices on both a global stage and within local communities, denouncing the systematic discrimination of Palestinians under Israel’s system of apartheid.

  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • Palestinian Tatreez bookmark Workshop

    Palestinian Tatreez bookmark Workshop

    Join The MIAH Foundation for an in–person workshop on creating a Palestinian Tatreez bookmark, with a guided tutorial.

    During the in–person workshop, you will learn about the history of Palestinian Tatreez and the techniques to create your own embroidery based on traditional motifs. You will then create your own Tatreez bookmark. All materials will be provided. This workshop is being run as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.

    12 – 2pm | Saturday 12th October 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • The Old Print Works Market

    The Old Print Works Market

    Bric a brac/clothes/curios and more

  • Repair Cafe – September

    Repair Cafe – September

    The Old Print Works

    Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday. Repairers include textiles and knife sharpening, Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day

  • Birmingham Resistance Library

    Birmingham Resistance Library

    Browse, Borrow & Return
    The Old Print Works
    1-5pm
    Explore the Birmingham Resistance Library collection, become a member and borrow a book. Membership is open to all. You can browse the catalogue in advance online too – birminghamresistancelibrary.co.uk

    More details to follow

    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.

  • Banner making workshop 10am-12pm

    Banner making workshop 10am-12pm

    Make a banner then make some noise – materials and assistance available 10am – 12pm

  • Ceramic Tile:The Dome of The Rock with the MIAH Foundation

    Ceramic Tile:The Dome of The Rock with the MIAH Foundation

    Come join us for our Saturday in–person workshop based on the tile of the Dome of the Rock, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    12-2pm | Saturday 13th July 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Join us to learn about this Dome of the Rock tile design and create your own ceramic coaster to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    This workshop is inspired by the ceramic tiles that decorate the Dome of Rock, or Qubbat aṣ-Ṣakhra, in Jerusalem, Palestine (occupied Palestinian territories). Painted in an underglaze of cobalt blue on a white tile, this floral design can be tesselated to create a never-ending pattern. During this workshop, you will study one of the tile patterns that adorn this building, which is currently housed at the British Museum and in the teaching collection of the MIAH Foundation Islamic Arts Gallery.

    You will recreate this design on a ceramic tile that can then be taken home to be displayed or used as a coaster. Please note: this workshop focusses on the design of the tile. Due to the length of the workshop, the design will be painted using acrylic paints and not underglaze.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

    Book your place today below

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Birmingham Resistance Library

    Birmingham Resistance Library

    Browse, Borrow & Return
    The Old Print Works
    1-5pm
    Explore the Birmingham Resistance Library collection, become a member and borrow a book. Membership is open to all. You can browse the catalogue in advance online too – birminghamresistancelibrary.co.uk

    Design and Print a Bookmark
    The Old Print Works
    2-3pm
    Design a bookmark and print 5 copies. Facilitated by Print and Matter @printandmatter.

    Read and Reflect Circle
    The Drawing Room (The Old Print Works)
    5-6.30pm
    An open space to share and discuss books and writings on resistance. Read an extract from one of the library books, share something you have written, or simply listen/ join the conversation. No pressure, everyone welcome.

    There will be a drop-in drawing/colouring activity suitable for all ages from 1-5pm in the Director’s Office.

    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.

  • Repair Cafe – July 24

    Repair Cafe – July 24

    The Old Print Works

    Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday. Repairers include textiles and knife sharpening, Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day

  • RETROFIT DOUBLE-BILL

    RETROFIT DOUBLE-BILL

    From 2pm in the Drawing Room

    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 

    https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-smallbrook-1

  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • Fruit & Nut Village

    Fruit & Nut Village

    2pm – 4.30pm The Old Print Works Cottage

    Join us to plant some beds in the courtyard 🙂

  • The Ottoman Sultan’s Signature: Make your own Tughra

    The Ottoman Sultan’s Signature: Make your own Tughra

    12-2 MIAH Foundation, Moseley Community Hub, 496 Moseley Road

    Join us at the MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery, Balsall Heath, on Saturday 11th May where we will be exploring the art of the Ottoman Diwani script and learn to creating our own Tughra (signature seal).

    You will learn how to read the tughra and design your own, based on your name. The tughra of the Ottoman sultan Abd al-Hamid II is currently on display in our exhibition, so you can see an original example for your work.

    This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.

    Entry to the exhibition is included with the ticket.

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Do you love zines as much as I do?

    Do you love zines as much as I do?

    Drop in anytime between 11am – 1pm and 2pm -4pm Upper Gallery

    Join Jane Thakoordin, textile artist and long term lover of zines for a morning or afternoon of zine-filled joy!
    Kick starting an innovative creative participatory project in partnership with Dr Ben Griffiths from University of Birmingham, you are invited to spend time in the Zine Reading Room, looking at Jane’s collection of zines on diverse topics. Then, together we will make our own 3D interactive zines on the theme of mental health that may form the beginning of a new collection for The Library of the Brain.. Jane is an artist and Social Worker with over 30 years experience of creating, and working in the world of mental health.

  • Princes to Kings – Live

    Princes to Kings – Live

    Balsall Heath Second Saturday is proper excited about being included in the Princes to Kings Midlands and the North tour this year. They will be playing throughout the day.

    Princes to Kings are a band of two brothers from Hertfordshire who started making music initially to raise money and awareness for Epilepsy charities, since their eldest brother Luke lives with severe and complex Epilepsy. Since then they have developed their sound and passion for music, releasing their own material, written and produced themselves. The brothers have crafted a refreshing pop/singersongwriter sound. Taking influences from a variety of artists, old and new. The duo have performed at a variety of events. They have played festivals such as Pub In The Park, Geronimo Fest and Great British Food Festival, whilst also playing headline shows, including a recent performance at Camden Assembly. Recently the pair performed at The Crocodile in Seattle, where they were able to showcase their originals and meet some US fans.

    The boys featured on ‘Michael McIntyre’s Big Show’ as the Unexpected Stars Of The Show. The youngest member of the band, Zac, was a winner of BBC Young Composer 2020.

  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers

    11am until 1pm, Lower gallery or courtyard, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • Repair Cafe – May 2024

    Repair Cafe – May 2024

    The Old Print Works

    Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday. Repairers include textiles and knife sharpening, Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day