Monthly creative festival
Come and play with clay with Sundragon Pottery. Try some simple techniques and experiment with form making – just drop in, stay as long as you like.
This session is free, please consider making a donation here.
Sundragon Pottery are a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.
Join Right to Remain for a family-focused arts and crafts session in the lead up to the National Week of Solidarity to End Immigration Detention (18-25 October).
Every day, people are detained under immigration powers in the UK and taken away from their families and communities. People are held indefinitely, sometimes not knowing where they are being taken to, often not knowing when they will be released.Every time someone is detained, families, neighbours, friends, and support groups rally to provide care, rebuild stability, and keep fighting for justice.
Art can become a form of solidarity, and create a space to make hard topics feel a little bit easier. This session will try to find ways to share messages of love, support and solidarity through creative writing, printing and collaging.
This is an open session held between 1-4pm and is suitable for children and adults. Please come along to say hello, learn more about our work and create with us!
Right to Remain is a registered charity (charity number 1192934). Right to Remain works with communities, groups and organisations across the UK. We provide information, resources, training and assistance to help people to establish their right to remain. We challenge injustice in the immigration and asylum system.
Join Balsall Heath People’s Emergency Briefing for a community event on climate issues – meet local groups and individuals; build our community spirit; and share information and ideas.
Including: adapting to climate change; community support; nature conservation; activism and campaigning.
Stallholders include:
– Bahu Trust
– ChangeKitchen CIC
– Balsall Heath People’s Emergency Briefing
Please note this event is located in the Upper Gallery, accessed via a number of stairs and unfortunately we do not currently have a lift.
Cycling in the Dark is an exhibition incorporating many objects collected / found locally which are used as surface, tool and material.
Delicate forms of pressure push the boundaries of tension in sculptural forms and scrappy, soft materials. The exhibition asks us to reflect on the more subtle violent treatment of objects, humans and animals. How do those build up to bigger ones?
Lauren Royall is an artist and studio holder at The Old Print Works whose work is rooted in abstract painting and sculpture. Their practice is conceptually driven by their experience in sexual violence education and prevention.
The exhibition is free, and there is a small selection of prints available for sale, where 50% of proceeds will go towards The Old Print Works.
Join Toyin Taiwo for Behind The Mask: A Storytelling and Drama Workshop.
Designed to be pratical, welcoming and enjoyable for adults who are curious about drama, storytelling or creative expression.
This event is organised by the Black British Book Festival. Selina Brown, Founder and CEO is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works and the founder of the Black British Book Festival and the inaugural National Reading Hero recipient of the Queen’s Reading Room Medal. Her Penguin picture book My Rice is Best has been shortlisted for the British Book Awards 2026, The Laugh Out Loud Book Awards 2026 and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2026.
This is a free event. If you’d like to support The Old Print Works please consider making a donation here.
Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday.
Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day.
This session is free, please consider making a donation here.
Join us for a drop in workshop to learn the art of Kumihimo, a traditional Japanese artform and craftwork for making braids and cords. Open to all ages.
This workshop is organised by members of Daily Thread, the community textiles sessions which run every week at The Old Print Works.
This workshop is free, please consider making a donation here.
THE BIG PLASTIC COUNT 2026 RESULTS ARE IN!
Join us for a drop-in discussion and creative activity to celebrate the completion of this year’s Big Plastic Count and hear about the actions we can take to minimise plastic pollution.
Back in March, thousands of people from schools, households, community groups and workplaces across the UK counted their plastic waste for one week as part of the UK’s biggest people-powered investigation into plastic waste.
Now, we’ve crunched the numbers and processed the data, and our results reveal the shocking scale of the UK’s big plastic problem…
This is a free drop-in with no need to book. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly happens to your plastic waste, what actions we think our government should be taking, or simply want to chat, then come along!
Join artist Esca09 for a drop-in beginner friendly workshop to create your own anime character.
Participants learn some simple techniques for drawing an original anime-style character, including facial features, hairstyles and clothing, before adding colour and personal details to make the character their own. The workshop is suitable for beginners, including children (with parental supervision), and no previous drawing experience is needed.
The session will be around 30–45 minutes, depending on the participants.
This session is free, please consider making a donation here.
For this Balsall Heath Second Saturday, join The GAP for a fun interactive storytelling session to honour the season of Autumn and explore how we can live in harmony with the natural world.
Using drama, craft and imaginative play, children will be guided by our skilled Arts Educators to develop empathy, collaboration, problem-solving, and responsibility.
For ages 6 – 11.
Please arrive promptly to start at 2pm! The session lasts for a full 2 hours (it is not drop in)
The GAP is open from 11am, come and explore their relaxing space and browse their library of books.
The GAP Arts Project is a Studio Partner at The Old Print Works.
If you’d like to support The Old Print Works please consider making a donation here.
The Balsall Heath Alliance is a group of local community organisations working across Balsall Heath.
They are keen to update the policies that govern how local Planning Decisions are made, and to do that are consulting on updating the current Local Neighbourhood Plan. At this stage, they are keen to get feedback from residents about all the issues that matter to them. They will be asking local people a few key questions so that they can collate feedback about the priority local issues.
Join Councillor Duncan Ali for his Balsall Heath West community surgery.
Saturday 12 September, 2-3.30pm
Join members of Radical Exhibition Collective, Film Pardna and BLK CURRENT for the first iteration of PRAXIS: A knowledge and resource exchange for Global Majority collectives in Birmingham.
PRAXIS is a collective workshop and discussion session responding to a growing grassroots cultural landscape in the city. Existing outside of institutional spaces, DIY and grassroots cultural activity in Birmingham is thriving, responding to a growing need for affordable third spaces and connection, as well as creative and ambitious programming- especially from global majority perspectives.
Reflecting upon our own experiences, we’ll be exploring how we might protect and strengthen DIY infrastructures across the city through thinking about:
* What it means to work collectively
* Navigating non-hierarchical working practices
* Peer to peer support and collaboration
This session is aimed at collectives delivering grassroots initiatives in Birmingham, as well as those who may be interested in starting a collective themselves.
Spaces are very limited so book your spot in advance here.
📆 Saturday 12th September
⏰2pm-4pm
📍Textiles Room, Upper Gallery, The Old Print Works
ACCESS INFORMATION:
The Upper Gallery is located up a flight of stairs and The Old Print Works does not have a lift.
Join a drop-in workshop with Balsall Heath People’s Emergency Briefing.
We are writing and/or drawing requests to our MPs to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and to properly brief the nation on the scientific, economic and societal need to treat the changes in climate and nature as an emergency.
All ages welcome.
Join us for a Panel Discussion, ‘Conversations around the Quilt’, to accompany the Each Child a Light Exhibition at The Old Print Works.
Speakers include internationally acclaimed Lebanese-British textile artist Aya Haidar, and artist and project coordinator Fiona Bailey.
This is a free event and no booking required.
*Please note there is no lift access to the Upper Gallery.
Balsall Heath Second Saturday hosts a screening of a powerful new 50 minute film about the climate and nature crisis and what it means for all of us, along with credible, positive responses.
As well as understanding the crisis, it’s about conversation and connection as communities come together. Whether you’re already involved or just curious to know more, everyone is welcome.
Join us for a screening followed by a discussion and cake.
Saturday 13 June, 4.30pm to 6.30pm (Doors 4.15pm)
Recommended for age 16+
Seats are free but limited so please book in advance here.
This event is free, please consider making a donation here.
Join MIAH Gallery to create your own artwork inspired by the 17th-century Mughal albums.
All materials are provided.
Age: Suitable for adults and children aged 12+ years.
For safeguarding reasons, the accompanying adult for under 18’s must remain in the building and be available and accessible throughout the session.
Tickets: To guarantee your place, please book your tickets in advance.
Standard Ticket: £15.00 (+ ticket fees)
Concessions (students, low-income, over 65s): £12.50 (+ ticket fees)
Please present proof of concessionary status with your ticket upon arrival, where applicable.
Community Energy Birmingham (CEB) is running the Seeing in Colour project (funded by the University of Birmingham) to host free thermal imaging workshops and evening walks in your
neighbourhood. These events will help local residents grow their understanding of heat loss in homes.
CEB are a non-profit organisation who have experience since 2012 in delivering projects which improve the city of Birmingham’s relationship with energy.
Our thermal camera classes will show you:
This is an excellent educational opportunity for families with complimentary snacks and hot/soft drinks provided.
Join us for a fun, welcoming Make Your Own Zine Workshop with illustrator Layla Sadiq, where you’ll experiment with drawing, collage, writing and creativity to craft a zine that’s completely your own. Organised by Inspire Hub.
No experience? No problem! Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or just looking to try something new, this workshop is open to everyone.
🗓 Saturday 8 August
⏰ 1:30pm–3:00pm
📍 The Old Print Works, B12 9AH
🎨 FREE workshop
📖 All materials provided
🎟 Booking required – limited spaces available! Please book here.
This workshop is part of our Beyond the Margins: Stories That Stay showcase at The Old Print Works, celebrating identity, culture and the stories that connect us.
Come create, connect and leave with a handmade zine that’s uniquely yours.
Feeling the draughts in this freeeeezing weather? Improve the cosiness of your home by making a draught excluder to go by the door. You choose the fabrics you want, Kirsty will help by sewing it for you, and you can stuff it! 11am-1pm. All welcome. Free – donations welcome.
The MIAH Foundation is excited to present a new exhibition, Devotional Art, featuring artworks by talented UK-based artists. The exhibition is the result of a recent open call that invited UK-based artists to submit artworks exploring the theme of devotion.
The selected artworks in the exhibition show the remarkable creativity and skill of local artists in interpreting devotion. Visitors will encounter intricate miniature paintings with delicate brushwork, vibrant textiles that merge pattern and symbolism, and contemporary pieces that explore spirituality through innovative forms and materials. Each artwork invites close observation, offering layers of meaning through color, texture, and composition, while reflecting the artist’s personal engagement with faith and devotion. The collection as a whole celebrates both the richness of traditional practices and the fresh perspectives of contemporary interpretations.
Art enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone interested in the intersection of faith and creativity are welcome to explore the exhibition, with select original artworks and prints available for purchase.
Exhibition Period:
27 November – 13 December 2025
Open Thursdays to Saturdays
12:30 – 5:30 PM
Art Sale: Saturday 6 and 13 December 2025, 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Exhibition entry is FREE; we appreciate donations that go towards our operating costs. Booking is encouraged; however, walk-ins are also welcome.
Join us to explore Timurid architecture and create your own ceramic coaster to take home. This workshop is being delivered as supportive programming for the Architecture Course.
The Timurid empire (1370-1507) was founded by Timur, a descendant of Genghis Khan. He made Samarkand (modern-day Uzbekistan) his capital, patroning grand buildings there and making it the crown jewel of his vast empire. Some of the most impressive Timurid constructions in Samarkand include the Registan square, the Shah-i Zinda necropolis, and the Bibi Khanum mosque, named after Timur’s wife.
The Bibi Khanum Mosque is one of Samarkand’s most impressive monuments, and was one the largest and most magnificent mosques of the Islamic world in its time. In typical Timurid fashion, it is adorned with radiant tiles displaying geometric designs, vegetal motifs, and calligraphic compositions, in the classic Timurid colour palette of dark blue, turquoise, and white. By the mid-1900s, its sheer monumentality and frequent earthquakes had led to its structural collapse, but it was restored by the Soviets.
During this workshop, you will study the tile patterns around the Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. 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. Please note: this workshop focuses on the design of the tile. Due to the length of the workshop, the design will be painted using acrylic paints and not the underglaze.
To secure your place, please book in advance.
Tickets:
Standard Ticket: £12.50 (+ticket fees)
Concessionary Ticket (for students, over 65s and low-income households): £10.00 (+ticket fees)
Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for ages 9+. All materials are provided.
REFUND POLICY: Please note that tickets are only refunded (minus the Eventbrite admin fee) if requested more than 7 days before the event.
This workshop is being delivered as part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating creativity, community, local culture and the arts, held on the second Saturday of every month.
Image Reference: Bibi Khanum Mosque, Samarkand, Peregrine.
head, face, top of neck, hands, feet, general relaxation all donations to SIFA Fireside
Join Darkroom Birmingham for an open evening featuring a relaxed introduction to analogue photography and a hands-on print demonstration. Meet the photographers behind the space, discover upcoming workshops, and enjoy a friendly, welcoming environment for anyone curious about analogue photography processes.
5-7 (ish)
Join Hannah and Jude for a fun and creative family friendly wreath making workshop.
In this hands-on session, you will craft your very own unique wreath using a variety of locally sourced materials.
All materials included.
The workshop will be held in the Drawing Room at The Old Print Works – with step free access.
An interactive discussion exploring racial injustice, the British legal system and local history through the real-life story of Oswald Grey
Join us at The GAP for an interactive Community Conversation with writer Jon Berry exploring forgotten local history, capital punishment and racial injustices within the British legal system through the real-life story of Oswald Augustus Grey.
Oswald came to England from Jamaica aged 18 in 1960, and lived on Cannon Hill Road in Balsall Heath. Two years later he became the last man to be hanged in Birmingham and the last Black man to be executed in Britain. This is a tale of hasty injustice and deep-seated prejudice that is as relevant today as it was 60 years ago.
Join Wonderfish Art Studio at Balsall Heath Second Saturday for a hands-on creative collage workshop! Perfect for ages 4–10 and their grown-ups.
In a safe creative space, we’ll be exploring what we feel about Birmingham and Balsall Heath with the art of collage, using different materials. Together, we are making collaborative artworks that celebrate our beautiful city and connect community and culture.
Saturday 8 November 11am-1pm
Drop-in, free, no booking required!
