Balsall Heath Second Saturday

The Second Saturday of the Month

Category: MIAH Foundation, Moseley School of Art

  • Painting an Iranian Floral Motif

    Painting an Iranian Floral Motif

    Join us to learn about the Shah Abbasi motif and create your own painting to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme.

    Named after Shah Abbas I, the Shah Abbasi motif is a highly stylised representation of flowers and is prominently featured in carpet designs, metalwork, and illuminated manuscripts. The geometric and symmetrical floral designs typically feature a central palmette surrounded by smaller floral and leaf patterns. More than just a decorative element, the motif symbolises the connection between nature and the divine and embodies the cultural exchange of ideas between East and West.

    In this workshop, you will explore the history and symbolism of the Shah Abbasi motif and create your own painting using traditional Persian illumination techniques.

    Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.

    📅 Dates: Saturday 8th November 2025
    ⏰ Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
    📍 Place: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery | 496 Moseley Road | Balsall Heath, Birmingham | B12 9AH

    Tickets:
    Standard Course Fee: £12.50 including Eventbrite fees.
    Subsidised Fee: £10.00

    Ticket link

    Image reference: 16th-Century Silk Kashan Carpet, Made in Iran, The Met Museum, Object Number: 58.46.
    6 d

  • Tatreez workshop

    Tatreez workshop

    Join us for a free hands-on creative workshop to create beautiful embroidered motifs using the traditional Palestinian Tatreez technique. This workshop is being delivered as part of the @balsallheathsecondsaturday programme and the ‘Believe in Balsall Heath’ project. The project celebrates the history, heritage and arts of Balsall Heath’s diverse communities.

    ‘Tatreez’, meaning embroidery in Arabic, was recognised as an important symbol of Palestinian cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2021. Embroidered motifs on traditional dresses reflected a woman’s journey and regional identity. Though much of this craft was lost after 1948, it has now evolved to be a symbol of national identity, cultural survival, and persistence.

    During the workshop, you will be guided through instructions to embroider a motif using the’Fallahi’ – cross-stitch technique on grid fabric. You will use a needle and colourful threads to create a beautiful Gazan Cyprus tree motif, one stitch at a time. The Cyprus tree motif serves as a symbol of a flourishing future.

    The workshop is suitable for adults and children (13+).
    All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

    📅 Date: Saturday 11th October 2025
    ⏰ Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
    📍 Place: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery | 496 Moseley Road | Balsall Heath, Birmingham | B12 9AH

    Tickets

    We are pleased to be able to offer this workshop for FREE with thanks to the generous funding by Birmingham City Council’s funding for the ‘Believe in Balsall Heath’ project. This project is being delivered as part of MIAH Foundation’s partnership with the Old Printworks, The GAP Arts Projects, Balsall Heath Local History and Fruit & Nut Village.

    We are restricting tickets to a maximum of TWO free tickets. To be fair to all, we ask that you only book a ticket if you are sure that you will be able to attend.

    Ticket link

    Image reference: Palestinian Thobe dress, ca. 1860s–1870s, Object Number: C.I.42.176.1. The Met Museum.

  • Ottoman Iznik Tiles Workshop

    Ottoman Iznik Tiles Workshop

    Join The MIAH Foundation to learn about Iznik tiles and create your own ceramic coaster to take home. This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme.

    Iznik tiles are named after the town of Iznik, and they are easily recognised by their distinctive colours and designs, often featuring bold colours such as cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, black, and deep red. Artisans developed elaborate compositions, incorporating realistic depictions of flowers arranged in vases, spiralling scrolls with delicate leaves and flowers, and large, dominant motifs.

    During this workshop, you will study the tile patterns around the mihrab of the Mesih Pasha Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. The mosque was built in 1585 by the famous Ottoman court architect Sinan. You will recreate the central floral composition of the tile design on a ceramic tile that can be taken home to be displayed or used as a coaster.

    Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.

    📅 Dates: Saturday 13th September 2025
    ⏰ Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
    📍 Place: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery | 496 Moseley Road | Balsall Heath, Birmingham | B12 9AH

    Tickets:
    Standard Course Fee: £12.50 including Eventbrite fees.
    Subsidised Fee: £10.00

    Ticket link

    IMAGE REFERENCE: Meisha Mehmed Pasha Mosque tiles, Dosseman (CC BY-SA 4.0)

  • Papier-mâché Pen Pots – Workshop

    Papier-mâché Pen Pots – Workshop

    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.

    📅 Dates: Saturday 9th August 2025
    ⏰ Time: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
    📍 Place: MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery | 496 Moseley Road | Balsall Heath, Birmingham | B12 9AH

    Tickets:
    Standard Course Fee: £12.50 including Eventbrite fees.
    Subsidised Fee: £10.00

    Ticket link https://miahfoundation.com/events/kashmiri-naqashi-painting-papier-m%C3%A2ch%C3%A9-pen-pots

    IMAGE REFERENCE: Image: Domed box (Srinagar, Kashmir, ca. 1850), V&A, Accession No. 3-1852

  • People of The Garan – Haseebah Ali

    People of The Garan – Haseebah Ali

    We warmly welcome you to the opening of People of the Garáṇ, a solo exhibition featuring a new body of work by Birmingham-based artist Haseebah Ali @haseebah_prints showcasing objects from MIAH Foundation’s Kashmir Collection.

    When: Saturday 12 July, 4:30 – 6:00 pm ⏳

    Where: MIAH Foundation, 496 Moseley Road, B12 9AH 👾

    ✨ About the exhibition ✨

    People of the Garáṇ is an exploration of Azad Kashmiri stories, memories, and cultural practices that have existed beyond public records and archives. This exhibition invites us to reflect on both real and imagined space between the village and the city; from an agrarian past to a post-industrial present; and the ways in which rural village life textures diasporic geographies and peoples in urban Britain.

    Inspired by the artefacts from MIAH’s collection, as well as everyday images, art practices, and traditions from her upbringing, Haseebah employs print, photography, textiles, calligraphy, illumination, sculpture and mixed media to trace connections between labour, care, migration, craft, and the remaking of home. Through these forms, Haseebah’s work draws attention to the internal and external worlds of men and women in her family across generations: their bodily labour, emotional endurance, and inherited practices. The artworks offer a way of understanding and connecting the Azad Kashmiri community to their own memories and traditions.

    This exhibition is a contemplation on space, not just as a physical entity, but as something lived, remembered, and remade – a notion that is intrinsic to the cultural legacy of a community whose traditions and practices are often understood in form but not in meaning.

    People of the Garáṇ is curated and conceived by Aaisha Akhtar @_asakhtar and Dr Farah Nazir @drfarahnazir and is produced in collaboration between Ort Gallery and MIAH Foundation.

    Keep an eye for the public programme 👀

    Access ♿️

    Step Free ✅
    Lift ✅
    Accessible Toilet ✅

    Tickets 🎟️

    Free. Donations welcome. Register via link instagram bio https://www.instagram.com/ortgallery/

  • Kashmiri Art : Numda Craft and Paisley Designs workshop

    Kashmiri Art : Numda Craft and Paisley Designs workshop

    Explore Kashmiri arts in this hands-on workshop through the Numda technique (felted rugs) and the story behind the paisley motifs.

    This workshop celebrates the launch of our collaboration with @ortgallery hosting their new exhibition ‘People of the Garan’ – a solo exhibition featuring a new body of work by artist Haseebah Ali, showcasing historic Kashmiri objects from the @miahfoundation collection.

    Join us for an insightful workshop celebrating the rich heritage of Kashmiri Numda, a traditional technique used to create felt rugs that have been an essential part of domestic life in Azad Kashmir for centuries. These rugs provide warm, colourful, and affordable floor coverings and can also serve as mattresses during the colder months, embodying both practicality and artistry.

    Participants will have the opportunity to create a decorative hanging coaster using felt shapes inspired by paisley, leaves, and flowers, and will be introduced to the traditional Kashmiri chain stitch to incorporate into their work, reflecting the intricate embroidery of Numda rugs.

    The workshop is suitable for adults and children (13+).

    All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

    Tickets: FREE – limited to two tickets.

    This workshop is being funded by @bhamcitycouncil exploring the traditional crafts of local communities through the Balsall Heath Cultural Action Area project and supports our work with @balsallheathsecondsaturday . To minimise waste of resources, please only book a ticket if you are sure that you will be able to attend. Additionally, please do not book multiple blocks of two tickets.

    Link: https://miahfoundation.com/events/kashmiri-art-numda-craft-and-paisley-designs

    Image reference: Kashmir Digital Museum

  • Print and Matter Artist Talk: Sahra Hersi

    Print and Matter Artist Talk: Sahra Hersi

    Print and Matter Artist Talk: Sahra Hersi

    Saturday 12th July
    11am-12pm
    MIAH Gallery,
    Mosely Community Hub,
    496 Moseley Rd, Balsall Heath,
    Birmingham B12 9AH
    FREE, no booking required.

    Sahra Hersi is an artist and spatial designer, she describes her work as “caring about people, places, art & architecture, in that order”. Her work is public and ranges in scales from zines and workshops to public realm interventions and buildings. She seeks to establish a working philosophy that is driven by the desire to reinterpret architectural methodology and artistic narrative
    as common ground.

    Wheelchair accessible (but please DM in advance so we can support with entry). @printandmatter (instagram)

  • OOMK Collective

    OOMK Collective

    Saturday 14th June
    11am-12pm
    MIAH Gallery
    496 Moseley Road, B129AH,
    Birmingham
    @miahfoundation

    One of My Kind (OOMK) is a collaborative publishing practice led by Rose Nordin, Sofia Niazi and Heiba Lamara. Working together since 2014, OOMK make, publish and distribute books and printed works which arise from self-initiated projects. They also commission new works by women artists, organise publishing fairs and currently run Rabbits Road Press, a community Risograph printing press in London. The talk will be delivered by @sofia_niazi. No booking required, just show up!

  • Fabric of Faith: The Arts and Textiles of The Hajj

    Fabric of Faith: The Arts and Textiles of The Hajj

    MIAH Gallery will be offering free drop-in sessions for exhibition “Fabric of Faith: The Arts and Textiles of The Hajj” viewings to all Balsall Heath Second Saturday attendees (12:30pm-6pm).

    The MIAH Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, is pleased to announce the public opening of it new exhibition: ‘Fabric of Faith: the Arts & Textiles of the Hajj’. Bringing together objects from private collections to be displayed together for the first time, some of the highlights of the exhibition include: a stunning mahmal (processional palanquin) which accompanied the new kiswa for the Ka’ba and led the pilgrim caravan from Cairo to Mecca; textiles from the holy sites in Mecca and Medina, including an embroidered section of a kiswa from the Ka’ba and the kiswa of the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad; old photographs of pilgrims and the holy sanctuary; historical objects and artworks that were inspired by the holy sites, and a few selected contemporary works of art. These will be displayed alongside personal objects of memorabilia and ephemera from the local community.

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.

  • Activities at The MIAH Foundation

    Activities at The MIAH Foundation

    Story-Time: Fatima al-Fihri

    Time: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
    Cost: Tickets are £8 for one adult and one child, with entry to the exhibition included
    Booking Info: Storytime Club | MIAH Foundation

    Botanical Drawings

    Time: 12 – 3pm
    Cost: £18 (+ ticket fees)
    Booking Info: Botanical Drawings and Painting Workshop | MIAH Foundation

    Exhibition

    Time: Free drop-in from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
    Cost: Free
    Booking Info: Exhibition: From Samarkand to Salerno: Roads of Enlightenment | MIAH Foundation

  • 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
  • Painting the Damascus Rose on Ceramics

    Painting the Damascus Rose on Ceramics

    12.00pm- 2:00pm | MIAH Gallery

    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.

    More information and book here: https://miahfoundation.com/events/painting-the-damascus-rose-on-ceramics

  • 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
  • Ebru / Ottoman Marble Art Workshop

    Ebru / Ottoman Marble Art Workshop

    Come join the MIAH Foundation for a Ebru / Ottoman Marble Art Workshop, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    12-2pm | Saturday 14th September 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Join us for a creative painting workshop where we will explore the Ottoman and Persian art of Ebru marble painting. 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.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.

    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.

  • Mughal Flowers Workshop at The MIAH Gallery

    Mughal Flowers Workshop at The MIAH Gallery

    Come join the MIAH Foundation for a Mughal Flowers Workshop, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    12-2pm | Saturday 10th August 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    Mughal albums are known for the way they decorated the marginal spaces with detailed studies of flowers and fauna. Mughal flower studies included lilies, narcissus, iris, tulips, carnations, poppies, anemones and campiones among other flowers. Although they were painted to be naturalistic, they used a distinct Mughal style and colour palette. In this workshop you will study some of the flower drawings found in Mughal albums and create your own flower study in the style of 17th century art albums from Mughal India.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for adults and children aged 9+ years. All materials are provided.

    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.

    Link to book: https://miahfoundation.com/events/mughal-flowers-workshop

  • 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
  • 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
  • Taught by the Pen: Arabic Calligraphy Compositions

    Taught by the Pen: Arabic Calligraphy Compositions

    Join us at the MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery, Balsall Heath, on Saturday 13th April where we will be exploring the art of Arabic calligraphy. You will learn about the use of calligraphy in different objects and then create a calligraphic composition of your own. 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.

    Date: Saturday 20th April
    Time: 12-2pm

    To secure your place, please book in advance.

    Tickets:
    Thanks to the Barakat Trust and the Heritage Fund, this workshop has been partially subsidised to ensure accessibility. We request a donation of £10 to cover materials and costs (£8 for students, low income and over 65s). Free entry to the exhibition is included with the ticket.

    Who is this workshop for? Suitable for ages 11+ years. The ability to read Arabic is useful. All materials are provided.

    Image Credit: The Ibn al-Bawwab Qur’an: Is 1431, Chester Beatty Library, Dublin. A reproduction of this Qur’an can be seen in our current exhibition, Taught by the Pen: the Qur’an & the Art of Calligraphy

    Register on Eventbrite
  • Taught by the Pen: the Qur’an and Calligraphy

    Taught by the Pen: the Qur’an and Calligraphy

    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

  • Square Kufic Workshop with the MIAH Foundation

    Square Kufic Workshop with the MIAH Foundation

    Square Kufic is a geometric style of calligraphy that has often been used in the architecture of the Muslim world, either through inscriptions in stone or through the use of different coloured bricks or tiles.

    Join us on Saturday 9th March 2024 at the MIAH Islamic Arts Gallery to learn about square Kufic. We will look at examples of square kufic in art and architecture from the Muslim world, including in UK museum collections. You will have a go and creating your own design before re-creating a square kufic composition as a paper weave. 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.

    To secure your place, please book in advance. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability, if they arrive by the start time.

    Thanks to the @barakat_org and the Heritage Fund, this workshop has been partially subsidised to ensure accessibility. We request a donation of £8 or more towards materials and costs.
    Who is this workshop for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for ages 9-99+ years – younger participants may require additional adult support. All materials are provided.


    Register on Eventbrite
  • Dome of the Rock tile design Workshop and create your own ceramic coaster

    Dome of the Rock tile design Workshop and create your own ceramic coaster

    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).

    1.30 – 3.30pm | Saturday 10th February 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:
    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dome-of-the-rock-tile-workshop-tickets-820148435047

  • Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching with The MIAH Foundation

    Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching with The MIAH Foundation

    Come join us for our Saturday in–person workshop on Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    1.30 – 3pm | Saturday 13th January 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
  • Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    2pm-3:30pm | Sat 9th December 2023 | MIAH Gallery | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH

    Our next event is part of the Balsall Heath Second Saturday programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a maths lover, or simply curious about the beauty of patterns, this event is for you!

    Join us for this introductory workshop where Rumina Parveen will delve into the intricate designs and symmetrical wonders that grace designs from across the Muslim world.

    This workshop is based on the four-fold pattern called the Breath of the Compassionate (al-Nafas al-Rahman). It is often associated with the Muslim philosopher Ibn Arabi. The pattern symbolises harmony and unity, which are shown through the expansion of the khatams and then compresses back into a cross.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for age 9-99 years. All materials are provided.

    To ensure accessibility, we are not charging a specific amount for this event. We ask that you ‘pay what you feel’. If you are able to, we suggest a donation of £5 or more.

    Image: Lustre tiles from Iran, probably Kashan (1262). Accession No 1837&A, C, E, F-1876, Victoria & Albert Museum

  • Ottoman Flower Motifs with The MIAH Foundation

    Ottoman Flower Motifs with The MIAH Foundation

    The MIAH Foundation is now part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.

    Ottoman flower motifs (or biomorphic patterns) can be found across Ottoman and Persian art, including in manuscripts, ceramics, textile and armour. The five petal flower motif was particularly popular and gives this type of art its name (penç means five in Farsi), even though some of the flowers in this style had more than five metals. Each flower also follows a basic geometric and symmetrical division.

    Join us on Saturday 11th November 2023 at either 1pm or 2pm to draw Ottoman flower motifs (penç). You will learn to draw four flower motifs and then create your own either freehand or using a template.

    Session 1: 1pm-2pm (please book in advance using the ‘register’ to confirm your place)

    Session 2: 2pm-3pm; drop-in (advanced booking is not necessary – first-come, first-served until we reach capacity)