The Second Saturday of the Month
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, 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
An exhibition of poetry, film, music, and sculpture by local young artists Ray, Samiir, and Nafeesa 💫
Exploring the theme of land justice from the perspective of queer Black and brown young people living in the country’s second city, their work seeks to challenge out-dated assumptions and narratives around who belongs in the natural landscape of England – a nation with a long history of excluding and displacing people from their lands, whether in England itself or in other parts of the world.
Developed as part of Write To Roam – an creative writing residency programme hosted by The GAP in partnership with The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust – the artists’ work responds to their experiences walking, wandering and writing within SBT’s heritage sites and land surrounding Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Taking a playful, political and personal approach, the artists ask the questions ~
🌳 Who belongs in the English countryside, and who does the English countryside belong to?
🌄 How can we take up space in places that don’t feel safe?
⛰️What does it mean for our identities and relationship to land to be defined by legislation?
🌱How can we experiment with the act of trespassing – on land, through time, across identity?
🍀How can we heal and rewild ourselves through being in nature?
This exhibition invites you to engage with these questions and explore the intersection of identity, belonging, nature and land.
“Displacement makes a home of the world. I refuse to erase myself from English/European countrysides, even when I don’t feel welcome… If I’m here to stay, I might as well slay it and live as audaciously and authentically as possible. That’s the attitude I felt we all brought whilst being on this residency.” – Nafeesa
We want to develop an urban oasis that reflects the heart and history of Balsall Heath and its vibrant communities and cultures.
We hope that as the garden grows it will provide a place and space to nurture our collective wellbeing and help us to deepen our connections to the more-than-human life that surrounds us.
During the workshop sessions, our young people will work alongside a professional gardener and artist, Rebekah, to learn key skills needed to build and maintain a sustainable garden. Come prepared to get your hands dirty and touch some soil!
🌳KEY DETAILS:
☀️This Project is for anyone between the ages of 16-25
✨Completely FREE!
🪴No previous experience needed
Join us at Saheli Hub to meet and process around Calthorpe Park. We will WASSAIL together. Music from The Ten Bags and stories from Juliet Fry.
Open to ALL and children are very much encourage to join us, especially if the have well-behaved parents to bring along.
Wear warm clothes, bring torches & lights and something noisy to bong, bang, or clang!
****Booking at the bottom of page via Eventbrite****
We invite you to start thinking about the way you move around your neighbourhood. Exploring Birmingham by bike and foot allows you to see the city differently while connecting with people and places. Many of us are amazed by the wonderful Dutch cycling culture and infrastructure in the Netherlands. However, it wasn’t always like this.
Join us at the film screening of ‘We Cycle Together’ and learn about the fantastic ways the country adapted to the influx of cars and how the Dutch society took a different turn to other big cities around the world and against all odds, people kept on cycling.
In Together we cycle, key players tell the story of the bumpy road which led to the current state. Where cycling is an obvious choice for most citizens.
The film will be followed by an open conversation with a special panel of Birmingham-based people sharing their everyday bicycle experiences and adventures. On the Panel will be
Usma Chaudry – primary school teacher, a mother, a wife, a sister and also a friend.
Esther Barnes – a mum who discovered her life changing love for cycling in Birmingham with her kids.
Cath Palgrave – cyclist, mechanic, cycle instructor, gardener, camper, gig goer, coffee and cider drinker and
Lisa Jones – Bicycle adventurer. Passionate about the outdoors, maps and travelling by bike. Chasing views, smiles and cafe stops.
Please come along for what is set to be an fun evening discovering the possibilities of travelling by bike with an inspiring cycling film screening followed by collectively sharing our experiences and bicycle stories.
Food from Change Kitchen and drinks will be available, or feel free to bring your own.
A community event @balsallheathsecondsaturday hosted by @BiclasB12 @ecobirmingham and @TheOldPrintWorks EVERYONE WELCOME!
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, 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
Join Hayley for a quick drop-in portrait, a new profile picture, a photo with your friends… whatever you’re looking for to make a lovely memory from Second Saturday.
PRICE:
Pay what you feel, suggested payment £3-£5
Includes a print-out of your image. Digital copies of images available at different price points.
TIME & LOCATION:
11am – 6pm, drop-in, open to all
Hayley Salter Photography, Top Floor Studio, at the top of the stairs by the Mix Cafe.
The Old Print Works 2pm – 4pm
Have you committed to #buynothingnew January and found your favourite socks have holes? Bring your holey socks and learn how to make them whole again!
2 – 4pm Drawing room, The Old Print Works, Courtyard entrance
Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday. Repairers include woodwork ,brass polishing, general repairs, textiles, knife sharpening, bike repair, scrapstore, mechanical electrics, textiles. Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day
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.
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
12-1pm – Led Ride – Explore the local area by bike and build confidence riding as a group
✨❄️The GAP Winter Craft Market❄️✨ Saturday 9th December, 11am – 4pm
Pop down to on 9th December for a festive fun-filled day out whilst supporting local artists and young people. Expect an exciting array of unique handmade gifts and goodies for sale – all made by local young artists, designers and crafters – in amongst our cosy community cafe and during the bustling – in The GAP
Dr. Bike with Fabio of Biclas B12 10am-1pm
Free safety checks and basic repairs
Fabio will be around a lot of the day to help you with your pedalled friend and part of our evening event, Together We Cycle
Back again by popular demand – fabric sewing workshop in the lower gallery, with Eddie and Adeline – drop in
2pm – 3.30pm The Old Print Works Music workshop with Arianna
we will play, sing, make some noise and have fun.
Just bring yourself – no experience necessary
See you there!
Its that time of year – Crafty Christmas party – make some crafts for Christmas, bauble making, gifts for under the tree all sorts of stuff, have some food, a drink or two – all invited- Food pay as you feel, bring your own booze or take advantage of the bar.
Christmassy (kind of), tunes from the usual dj too – all welcome –
Make your own bracelet from used bike parts! 2pm until 4pm, Drawing Room
Walking & Cycling Activities @ Second Saturday Balsall Heath
Have Fun • Explore & Connect with Your Local Area • Make Friends • Build Confidence • Learn New Routes
10am – 1pm – Pop by our stand to chat about walking/cycling and route planning + Pick up a FREE 69Wards by Bike or Foot Map
10am-11am – Walk & Talk – Get social, explore the local area by foot and share your thoughts
12-1pm – Led Ride – Explore the local area by bike and build confidence riding as a group
Back again by popular demand – fabric sewing workshop in the lower gallery, with Eddie and Adeline – in the afternoon – drop in
The GAP Gallery 2 – 3.30pm/ exhibition all day
To celebrate the opening of the ATHAC Creative Artists exhibition join Ort Gallery for this drop in pottery workshop exploring pattern and texture, using a range of mark making tools and air drying clay.
Create a unique selection of nature inspired tiles that you can take home and paint.
The workshop will be assisted by one of our ATHAC Creative Artists.
11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, 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
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)
***Tickets via eventbrite – for workshops and performance****
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/october-fiesta-balsall-heath-second-saturday-at-old-print-works-tickets-751555581977?aff=oddtdtcreator
14:00 – 15:00 = Mask Workshop 1 in Upper Gallery at OPW
Drop-in ‘Alebrije’ mask-making workshop for all ages!
Pay What You Can – Suggested Donation: £4 or 6
15:00 – 16:00 = Mask Workshop 2 in Upper Gallery at OPW
Drop-in ‘Alebrije’ mask-making workshop for all ages!
Pay What You Can – Suggested Donation: £4 or 6
18:00 – 19:00 = Public Performance of ‘October Fiesta 2023’
18:00 – 18:30 = Storytelling – ‘Stories of the Wind’
18:30 – 19:00 = Games – ‘PokPok TokTok’ & ‘Loteria!’
Join ITZATNA Arts this autumn for their ‘October Fiesta’ – an interactive children’s
theatre show inspired by Mexican Day of the Dead and reimaged traditional
stories and games about life, death, and rebirth in the animal kingdom. Through
playful interaction, these stories and games support how families and adults can
engage their young ones to think and talk about the subjects of death, dying, grief,
and bereavement, through a renewed appreciation for life, animals, and Planet
Earth, through the vibrant lens of Mexican culture.
🦉 OWL is on a quest to find 🌟 COYOTE in an adventure that transcends borders
and defies the boundaries between life and afterlife.
Mictlán, the mystical house of the Dead, awaits in Mexico, where these two
spirit animals guide humans on their unique journey through life and beyond.
❤️ Together, they embark on a journey to Mictlán to help the souls of the departed
reunite with their loved ones. But first, they must find their friend, COYOTE.
🌍 Are you ready to journey to Mexico and assist OWL and COYOTE in their quest?
You may even have the chance to hear a story from COYOTE, a master storyteller.
🌟 Let’s all say “MÉXICO” together, and we’ll be transported to a world filled with
mountains, the fragrance of flowers, and incredible stories.
🌙 Discover the world of 🌟 Alebrijes and the incredible artistry of Pedro Linares
as they take you on a captivating journey of color and imagination.
🦋 Listen to the 🦋 Monarch Butterflies as they share their extraordinary
migration story, guiding the spirits of the departed back to their earthly homes.
🌄 As the Feathered Snake, Quetzalcoatl, meets a selfless Rabbit, you’ll witness
the creation of a celestial symbol on the moon, a tale of kindness, and the
interconnectedness of all living beings
Come along and try some apple varieties with Sally, the new Postcode Gardener for Balsall Heath. Find out more about the work that will be going on in Balsall Heath to make it a more beautiful place, and how you can get involved!
Creative writing workshop with Leila Rasheed & The Emma Press, 2pm Saturday 11 November
If you have an idea for a children’s story and are looking for some friendly support and practical encouragement, grab your pen & paper and join author Leila Rasheed and local publisher The Emma Press for a creative writing workshop. Leila will explore the joys and challenges in creating compelling literature for children, share some exercises to help get ideas flowing and offer feedback on opening pages.
Tickets £5/pay what you can, please book in advance: maximum 12 participants
Please note this workshop is aimed at adults writing for children. It is not a workshop for children.
About the workshop leader:
Leila Rasheed’s first novel for children, Chips, Beans and Limousines was published in 2008 and followed by two sequels which were widely translated. Since then, she has written a wide variety of children’s and YA literature, including the At Somerton trilogy for Disney Hyperion, and biographies of Kamala Harris and Katherine Johnson. Her most recent novel is Empire’s End: A Roman Story (Scholastic), which follows the adventures of a North African girl during the late Roman Empire. In 2015 she set up a pioneering scheme to mentor new children’s writers of colour, called Megaphone, now Megaphone Writers CIC.
The Emma Press is an independent publisher based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter specialising in poetry, short fiction and children’s books with a mission of making publishing and literature as welcoming and accessible as possible.
September 9th 2023 2 – 5pm Drawing room, The Old Print Works, Courtyard entrance
Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday. Repairers include woodwork ,brass polishing, general repairs, textiles, knife sharpening, bike repair, scrapstore, mechanical electrics, textiles. Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day
