Category: Venues

  • THREADS

    THREADS

    Exploring the quiet power of women’s knowledge passed down through generations. At its heart are oral history interviews with four women from different cultural backgrounds, each sharing deeply personal stories about how they learned creative skills — from sewing to weaving — from mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and neighbours.

    These conversations, conducted by artist Kim Chi, uncover the invisible networks of care, teaching, and tradition that often go unrecognised as “work.” In response, Kim has created a moving series of artworks, which are exhibited alongside treasured craft objects loaned by the interviewees themselves — items filled with memory, labour, and love.

    The space invites participation: visitors can sit, stitch, listen, reflect, and add their own voices to a growing archive of collective memory and gratitude. This is more than an exhibition — it’s an evolving community space where women’s creativity and care are seen, heard, and honoured.

  • Create your own canvas: Calligraphy from the Ka’ba

    Create your own canvas: Calligraphy from the Ka’ba

    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.

    (Booking link below)

    https://miahfoundation.com/events/create-your-own-canvas-calligraphy-from-the-kaba
  • Peace Garden – Create a Mythical Creature

    Peace Garden – Create a Mythical Creature

    Help us bring ~even more~ life and colour to our beautiful Peace Garden through some fun creative activities using materials from the earth – clay and chalk 🌞🕊️

    🟢 Play with clay and your imagination to create a unique mythical creature to live in the Peace Garden!

    🟢 Use chalk to add colour, pattern and messages to the Peace Garden’s planters and pavement flooring

    And as always come explore the plants and wildlife, and take a moment to enjoy being at peace within nature 🌿🪻🐦🐞🐝🪱

    1 – 4pm (Drop-in)
    All ages welcome (Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult)
    Free

  • MENSTRUATORS – period poverty project

    MENSTRUATORS – period poverty project

    MENSTRUATORS is a period-poverty MA dissertation project Iwriting a poetry/ lyric essay collection about menstruation/ blood (and wider menstruation-related experiences e.g. menopause, pregnancy, PMDD, PMS, early onset menopause) and poverty in the contexts of war, stigma, oppression, religion, homelessness, disability, and neurodivergence. Please feel free to share any thoughts on a post-it note. There will be some prompts to help evoke memories, but share anything you think might be relevant. Response post-its to other people’s responses also encouraged to start conversations.

    Nafeesa (b. Kashmir 1993, bred in Birmingham) is a poet; playwright; educator; performer; and director. When she’s not archiving city council bankruptcy, Nafeesa uses the intersectionality of her identity to inform her multi-disciplinary creative practice. Her poetry collection Besharam (Verve Poetry Press) was highly commended in the Forward Prizes 2019. Nafeesa is published in Forward Poems of the Decade 2011-2020 (Faber Poetry), The Things I Would Tell You: British Muslim Women Write, (Saqi Books). Nafeesa has appeared on BBC Bitesize; BBC Radio 4 Comedy; The Verb; and at literary festivals across the UK, Ireland and Germany. In 2023 she received a scholarship for Writing Poetry MA at Poetry School London, where she continues developing a body of work about corner shop culture, car boots, faith, and divine love.

  • Listening, Crafting & Conversation Circle

    Listening, Crafting & Conversation Circle

    Join us this Balsall Heath Second Saturday for an intimate listening, crafting & conversation circle exploring the importance of passing on knowledge of women’s creative work between generations and within communities.

    We will invite you to crochet whilst listening to a recorded interview with artist-crafter Jane Thakoordin, before opening up space to share reflections and stories between ourselves about women’s creative work.

    This event launches part two of THREADS: An Interactive Exhibition Untangling The Hidden Work Of Women. The exhibition includes oral history interviews with four local women from different backgrounds about how they learnt their creative skills from other women. The interviews were conducted by Kim Chi, who also created artworks in response which are on display in the exhibition, along with craft objects loaned by the interviewees and various interactive activities.

    The session will be facilitated by Isra Kausar (Curator), Kim Chi (Artist) and Ella Marshall (Programme Director).

    All genders welcome

    Ages 14+

    No booking required – just show up at 3.30pm

  • Clothes Print Workshop

    Clothes Print Workshop

    11am onwards at The Old Print Works

    Give your clothes a new bloom! Join us as we celebrate Festival of Blossom with Natasha & Ashleigh for a family-friendly workshop where we’ll breathe new life into old garments. Have a go at making your own print with floral woodblocks.

    Bring an old garment of clothing to refresh or print one of the patches provided.

    Free
    Drop in

  • Tobi’s Tats Charity Flash – Trans Kids Deserve Better

    Tobi’s Tats Charity Flash – Trans Kids Deserve Better

    Tobi’s Tats Charity Flash day on May 10th!

    Drop by to get a flash tattoo. 50% of all profits will be donated to Trans Kids Deserve Better to support their work with the Trans Community in the UK.

    Go to @tobis_tats on instagram to see the full flash sheet. £40 per design, set sizes in black and grey, arms and legs only. Must be over 18.

    Book in online by messaging @tobis_tats on instagram, or simply walk in on the day.
    Payment by cash or Paypal, on the day.

  • Crochet your Floral Creations

    Crochet your Floral Creations

    Join us for a fun and creative crochet workshop where you’ll learn how to make stunning, handcrafted flowers. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this workshop is perfect for you!
    You are invited to bring in your own yarn and hook, and any material you wish to use for the crochet workshop – there will also be materials provided by us so feel free to join us either way!
    We will be learning the basics of crochet and learning to read Chinese crochet abbreviations! If you’re interested, please join!

    I’m a student from Birmingham City University and this workshop is going to contribute to my degree show, if you don’t feel comfortable contributing, please let me know beforehand!

  • Stan’s Cafe’s The Many Lives of PET #1

    Stan’s Cafe’s The Many Lives of PET #1

    A complicated comedy about a plastic bottle.

    Poor old PET #1. Distantly related to pre historical plankton, used and cast aside every day, desperate not to be buried or cremated, now they’re at the heart of an almighty row between business, governments and people who all love them and hate them at the same time. And that’ s before the cousins #2 – #7 come on the scene!

    Stan’s Cafe’s brand new tabletop drama dives deep into the world of plastic.

    What’s all the fuss about? What are our options and what could the future look like?

    Don’t lose your bottle.

    Tickets available here https://www.ticketsource.com/whats-on/birmingham/balsall-heath-second-saturday-the-old-print-works/the-many-lives-of-pet-1/2025-04-12/d-pyzglkuygklbp

  • Kids Art Workshop with Blue Hands

    Join us for a special event and free kids art exhibition and workshop. Please bring spare clothes as this workshop may include getting messy and creative. No age limit please can all children be accompanied by an adult. 🎨 🖌️

  • Exhibition Opening: THREADS: An Interactive Exhibition Untangling the Hidden Work of Women (Part One)

    Exhibition Opening: THREADS: An Interactive Exhibition Untangling the Hidden Work of Women (Part One)

    Exhibition Opening: THREADS: An Interactive Exhibition Untangling the Hidden Work of Women (Part One)

    Saturday 8th March, 11am – 4pm

    Join us this International Women’s Day as we launch a new exhibition curated by Isra Kausar @israk_art as part of @balsallheathsecondsaturday . Featuring various craft activities and conversational prompts, the exhibition invites you to talk, listen, reflect and learn about the work of women that too often goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

    The things you make and thoughts you share will be a part of the community helping to untangle and appreciate the often hidden work of women, and will be included in Part Two of this exhibition, launching in April. This second part will also feature audio interviews with women local to The GAP exploring their personal stories on how skills are passed down through generations of women, as well as objects and mixed media artworks created in response by Kim Chi (a founding member of The Culture Collective and current team member of The MIX Cafe!).

    Part One of this exhibition runs throughout March.

  • Sustainable Textile Jewellery with Mahawa

    Sustainable Textile Jewellery with Mahawa

    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.

  • International Womens Day – arts activities with Sevonah Golabi

    International Womens Day – arts activities with Sevonah Golabi

    Join artist Sevonah Golabi to celebrate International Women’s Day with arts activities.

    Make a dedication heart to a woman who has inspired you, or an important woman in your life and attach it to the washing line.

    In the spirit of the suffragettes, make your own rosette about something you feel passionate about or want to change in the world and wear it proudly!

    11.30-2.30, free drop in.

  • Adfree Cities presents Digital Dystopia

    Adfree Cities presents Digital Dystopia

    We have yet to invent the politics and new forms of collaborative action—this century’s equivalent of the social movements of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries that aimed to tether raw capitalism to society—that effectively assert the people’s right to a human future. And while the work of these inventions awaits us, this mobilization and the resistance it engenders will define a key battleground upon which the fight for a human future unfolds.”
    Shoshana Zuboff, The Age of Surveillance Capitalism

    “[Fossil fuel companies] have been aided and abetted by advertising and PR companies – Mad Men fuelling the madness.”
    UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, June 2024

    Birmingham event: When fossil capitalism met surveillance advertising
    Saturday 8th March 2025, public talk at 4pm
    (Exhibition open all day from 10am – 6pm)

    As wildfires ravaged Los Angeles this January 2025, fossil fuel companies took out ads across California to stop new climate legislation at the state level. In Britain fossil fuel giants BP and Shell have bought ad spaces on public transport networks to focus attention on its renewable projects whilst slashing its green investments plans and ramping up oil and gas investments.

    All around us, advertisers are building new digital advertising screens in our streets with creeping surveillance technologies.

    Join us for the Birmingham launch of Digital Dystopia – a mock advertising unit made from recycled electronic waste – re-engineered to reveal the tactics of misdirection used by major polluters to maintain their social licence to operate. We’ll discuss how we build sustainable futures beyond consumerism to meet our needs; and how to create urban spaces that centre community connection, solidarity, public art and access to nature.

    With Robbie Gillett and Chloe Naldrett from Adfree Cities & Badvertising.

  • Kids Art Workshop with Blue Hands

    Join us for a special event and free kids art exhibition and workshop. Please bring spare clothes as this workshop may include getting messy and creative. No age limit please can all children be accompanied by an adult. 🎨 🖌️

  • The Old Print Works Market

    The Old Print Works Market

    Bric a brac/clothes/curios and more

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

  • More Than Sight  exhibition

    More Than Sight  exhibition

    GAP Gallery 10am-4pm

    More Than Sight
    An interactive exhibition by Isra Kaur exploring alternative ways of thinking about art for both sighted and visually impaired audiences

    WORKSHOP

    Try your hand at our sensory Clay Challenges

    1. Sculpting without Seeing
      Liberate yourself from the judgemental sense of sight and enjoy the freedom of creating only with your sense of TOUCH.
    2. Art That Feels Good
      Shape, squeeze or stroke a piece of clay into piece to be included in our More Than Sight exhibition for people with visual impairment. What it looks like has no relevance—it’s all about how it FEELS.

    Saturday 8th February, 12-1pm, 2-3pm.

    Drop-in / All welcome

    Taking place as part of @balsallheathsecondsaturday

  • Peace Garden Open Day – Myrtle Cottage

    Peace Garden Open Day – Myrtle Cottage

    Peace Garden Open Day 🌄🌺
    Sat 8th February 11.30am – 3.30pm

    All welcome. Drop-in.Come and enjoy our beautiful Peace Garden this Saturday.
    🌱 Explore the plants and wildlife
    🌱 Relax and reflect on the changing of the seasons with an optional activity to leave a message in the garden
    🌱 Visit the Adil Khalid Remembrance Bench


    Drop-in / All welcome

  • Islamic Bookbinding Workshop

    Islamic Bookbinding Workshop

    Join us at MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery to be introduced to the traditional techniques in the #art 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)

    Link below and in bio (under upcoming events):

    https://miahfoundation.com/events/february-islamic-bookbinding-workshop
  • John Row, Storyteller

    John Row, Storyteller

    Fresh from his role as Artistic Director of the Marrakech Storytelling Festival, John Row continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his masterful storytelling. A cherished figure in the realm of folk tales and oral tradition, John has spent decades weaving vivid and engaging narratives that breathe life into myths, legends, and folk tales from every corner of the globe. His warm, resonant voice and unparalleled ability to create magic through words make him a celebrated presence at festivals, schools, libraries, and community events across the UK and beyond.
    John’s roots trace back to the vibrant folk scene of the 1960s and 70s, where his natural gift for narrative first took centre stage. Over the years, he has become a respected performer not only for his expertise but also for his dedication to preserving the art of oral tradition. Drawing from an impressive array of cultural sources—traditional English tales, ancient myths, and indigenous stories—John creates immersive performances that transport listeners to other times and places.
    Beyond enthralling audiences, John brings storytelling into education and community spaces as a tool for learning and empowerment. His interactive workshops encourage participants of all ages to craft their own stories, fostering creativity, communication, and a deeper appreciation for the spoken word. His unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life cements his position as a beloved figure in the storytelling community.
    John has also contributed significantly to preserving the art of storytelling. From recording traditional tales to participating in international festivals and collaborating with artists, his work champions storytelling as a living tradition. Through his projects, he has not only entertained but also highlighted the importance of cultural heritage and its place in modern society.
    Known for his humour, humanity, and timeless style, John’s storytelling transcends mere performance, becoming an experience that resonates deeply with audiences. Whether sharing a poignant folk tale, a light-hearted anecdote, or an epic legend, John Row continues to inspire and enchant all who have the pleasure of listening to him.

  • The Original Art Club

    The Original Art Club

    The Original Art Club at The Old Print Works and Balsall Heath Second Saturdays.

    The Original Art Club is a safe creative space for children to explore, create and develop their artistic skills. This is project-based learning tailored to each individual and their ability. The idea is progress not perfection and with an ‘I can do’ attitude here at the club we want all our budding artists to feel confident and encouraged in their creative journey. We teach several 2D and 3D techniques within our projects using a wide range of materials from pencil, acrylic paint and watercolours, to clay and paper mache. Our mixed age and mixed ability classes is a unique way in building self-confidence, independence and social bonding. Those children who have been with us longer will have gained more flexibility in steering their own projects and outcomes. We use mediums such as acrylics, watercolours, oil/soft pastels, inks, fine liners and 3D work with papier mache, clay and paper sculpture. At the club we value art and believe it is a significant component for the holistic education of children.

  • Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop

    Beginner’s Bookbinding Workshop

    In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.

    All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style.

 Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!

    Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)

  • CDT for under 11’s

    CDT for under 11’s

    11am onwards – drop in, The Old Print Works upper gallery

    Wood working skills that can set you up for life

    pricing available in workshop

  • The Upholstery Group

    The Upholstery Group

    The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works

  • Balsall Heath Repair Cafe

    Balsall Heath Repair Cafe

    The Old Print Works

    Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday. Repairers include textiles, electrics, computers, general repairs. Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day – 12.30pm-4pm/

  • Birmingham Resistance Library

    Our next Browse, Borrow & Return day is on Saturday 12th April 📕 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

    Watch and Reflect
    Switching up the usual Read and Reflect format, REC will be hosting a ‘Watch and Reflect’ session, curating clips from some of their favourite films to facilitate discussions around the value of film in conversations around resistance, representation and the importance of congregative spaces.
    5-6pm

    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.

  • Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon Pottery Workshop

    Sundragon pottery workshop is back for Second Saturday – come and get friendly with clay!

    Drop in – free/donation

  • Portraits with PRISM Photography

    Portraits with PRISM Photography

    From September 2024, PRISM Photography Network has been running a 4 month long series of Photography Workshops. Every Saturday morning we met to study photography, discuss our practice and document the life of Stirchley, We ultimately aim at producing an exhibition at The Old Print Works. The project is led by Francesco Falciani and Oksana Bischin. On Saturday 11th January, the group will be taking portraits at the Old Print Works – From 11am The Old Print Works

  • 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

  • Crafts with Itzatna Arts

    Crafts with Itzatna Arts

    Crafting activities with Itzatna Arts.

    ITZATNA ARTS COLLECTIVE are an emerging artist collective based in the Midlands that create intercultural collaborations between artists and diaspora communities between Mexico, Latin America, and the UK.

    For more information https://www.itzatna.org