Balsall Heath Second Saturday

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
Summer Family Fun Day

12PM – 4PM Saturday 12th July

10 Malvern St. B12 8NN

Join us for a fantastic day of games, laughter, and unforgettable family moments!

Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Delicious Food
ACTIVITIES SUCH AS; STALLS, CONCERTS AND MUCH MORE!

For more information call 0121 464 6349
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/
Hayati Open Mic – Mushaira Special

Join us at Moseley Community Hub for a soulful evening of inspired poetry, conversation, and food ✨

To mark the launch of People of the Garáṇ, an exhibition by Haseebah Ali exploring the cultural legacy and textures of the Azad Kashmiri diaspora, we’d like to invite you to this mushaira special,, featuring some very special headliner performances from an incredible line up of British-Azad Kashmiri artists (TBA) 👀✨‼️

If you would like an open mic slot, please DM @hayatiopenmic or arrive early as there will be limited spots on the door! 🎤

Register via link in instagram bio 🔗https://www.instagram.com/hayatiopenmic/

🎟️ We have implemented a three-tiered ticketing system. Standard tickets £7.50 via eventbrite (plus eventbrite fee) | £10 on the door. All tickets will include a warm meal (plant based and gluten free) 🍛Please bring your own non-alcoholic drinks 🥤

This event is for those aged 13 and over. Children are welcome but they must be supervised by accompanying adult(s). 🧑‍🧑‍🧒

⏰ Doors open at 6pm, event starts at 6:30pm.

📍Moseley Community Hub, 496 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9AH

Prayer mats will be made available for those that would like to pray on site. 🤲🏾📿

✨ About Hayati ✨

Hayati is a bimonthly, halal open mic event curated by Ort Gallery with an emphasis on engaging the brain, inspiring the heart, and feeding the soul 💚

We look forward to seeing you all there! 🥰
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

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)
Plant Poetry workshop

Join Kohinoor and Arron this Saturday for a multi-sensory creative workshop exploring the edible herbs that live in our Peace Garden 🌿🌼 Listen to plant poetry and write your own whilst touching, tasting, smelling and seeing the herbs 🖐️👂👃👄👁️

Saturday 12th July, 12 – 1pm

Workshop is aimed at ages 6 – 11 years, but all are welcome.

Free

Throughout the day you’ll also be invited to spend time in the Peace Garden, listen to some audio recordings of Kohinoor reading nature-themed poetry, and enjoy the butterflies 🦋
Seemaworld : SCULPTING RADICAL KINDNESS

12:30–14:30 ➡️ SCULPTING RADICAL KINDNESS

saturday is looming, people! ^^so here’s a lil itinerary to map out this workshop^^

what does kindness look + feel like when it’s shaped by playful limits? come find out, play and connect.

we’ll be: sculpting relics for speculative futures 🌍 BUT with a limited resource chosen randomly by you:: clay, found objects, collage, writing, 3d animation,maybe more

✨no skills needed
✨all materials provided
✨drop-in or stay for the duration
✨guided workshop / reflection circle begins 12:45
✨pay what you feel: £5 / £7 / £9 (book via www.seemaworld.com or pay on the day)

full programme in instagram bio https://www.instagram.com/seemaworld_, wheelchair access, everyone welcome!
A Touch Of Green 🌱

Exhibition Opening – Curated by Isra Kausarg

A Touch Of Green 🌱

Exhibition Opening Sat 14 June, 10am – 5pm

Curated by Isra Kausar

Featuring painting, photography, poetry and mixed media, this exhibition brings together works of art by local artists that speak to nature on many levels, calling you to connect with nature in the hopes that we can help heal it.

Some focus on appreciating the beauty of the natural world, some touch on the connection we have to it, and some encourage us to take action.

‘A Touch Of Green’ Art Exhibition 🌱

Sat 12 July, 10am – 5pm

Curated by Isra Kausar

Featuring painting, photography, poetry and mixed media, this exhibition brings together works of art by local artists that speak to nature on many levels, calling you to connect with nature in the hopes that we can help heal it.

Some focus on appreciating the beauty of the natural world, some touch on the connection we have to it, and some encourage us to take action.

There are also some tips and tricks in the gallery, for small things you could do to make a difference and help the Earth, and yourself in the process, by adding a little bit of green.

Pop by to see the exhibition this Balsall Heath Second Saturday, as well as visiting our Peace Garden to immerse yourself in nature amongst our urban landscape.There are also some tips and tricks in the gallery, for small things you could do to make a difference and help the Earth, and yourself in the process, by adding a little bit of green.

Pop by to see the exhibition this Balsall Heath Second Saturday, as well as visiting our Peace Garden to immerse yourself in nature amongst our urban landscape.
A Touch Of Green 🌱

Exhibition Opening – Curated by Isra Kausarg

A Touch Of Green 🌱

Exhibition Opening Sat 14 June, 10am – 5pm

Curated by Isra Kausar

Featuring painting, photography, poetry and mixed media, this exhibition brings together works of art by local artists that speak to nature on many levels, calling you to connect with nature in the hopes that we can help heal it.

Some focus on appreciating the beauty of the natural world, some touch on the connection we have to it, and some encourage us to take action.

There are also some tips and tricks in the gallery, for small things you could do to make a difference and help the Earth, and yourself in the process, by adding a little bit of green.

Pop by to see the exhibition this Balsall Heath Second Saturday, as well as visiting our Peace Garden to immerse yourself in nature amongst our urban landscape.
Sunflower Planting & Poetry Writing Workshop

11am – 1pm

Join Kohinoor Yasmin (Poet, Writer & Workshop Facilitator) in our beautiful Peace Garden for a gentle children’s workshop celebrating sunflowers:

🌻 Plant your own sunflower seed to take home

🌻 Listen to some poems about sunflowers

🌻 Write you own sunflower poem using guided prompts

There will also be an opportunity to audio record your poem read aloud to add to The GAP’s exciting new Peace Garden Spotify playlist!

🟡 For children aged 6 to 12 years old

🟡 Parents/carers must be present for the duration of the workshop. You are welcome to relax and enjoy spending time in the Peace Garden.

🟡 Free!

🟡 Book your place via Eventbrite here –

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1398323546369?aff=oddtdtcreator
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
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!
St Pauls City Farm – Celebrating 45 Years

Celebrate 45 years of Balsall Heath City Farm

Saturday June 14th, 11am – 4pm.

Refreshments, Plants, Stalls, Face Painting & Music from the 80’s!!

For enquiries contact 0121 464 1888

Or email: farm@stpaulstrust.org.uk
Ventilator Gallery Opening

VENTILATOR GALLERY
a dynamic space for dialogue, curated by
Tammy Woodrow

opening event Saturday 14 June 12-4:
interactive installation ‘A Little Respect’ by Gay Place
Location: the old print works, 506 Moseley Road, Birmingham, B12 9AH, bus 50. The gallery is based on the first floor. More info: tammywoodrow@hotmail.com/ 07964770596
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.
SEEMAWORLD – studio launch

studio launch! 2pm – 4pm
a one-day portal
roll out of full studio programme for the rest of 2025 · showcase of instruments + 2025- prototypes · mini zine factory · irl surplus store · original SEEMAWORLD works + project updates · irl world-building: cocreation + ideation stations · a peek at SEEMAWORLD inspo + archives · snacks · more
SOPS film screening – Murder in Paris

Selly Oak Palestine Solidarity presents the film Murder in Paris

Murder in Paris is a political crime documentary that traces the motives for the assassination of anti-Apartheid activist, Dulcie September. The story travels from the heart of Paris in March 1988 to the pursuit of justice in 2021.

This is a free film screening for educational purposes, but please register below for a ticket

SOPS FILM NIGHT – Murder in Paris
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

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

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 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.
Peace Garden

Spring is in full bloom! Rejoice and relax in our beautiful Peace Garden this Balsall Heath Second Saturday – its due to be a sunny one 🌞

🌱 Relax & find peace

🌱 Explore the plants and wildlife

🌱 Visit the Adil Khalid Remembrance Bench
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

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
Stirchley Observation Project

The PRISM Stirchley Observation Project are exhibiting their work on documenting the life of Stirchley. Their exhibition is in the Gallery on the first floor, just outside the Birmingham Darkroom. On April 6th at 6.30pm there is the exhibition opening – all are welcome. On the 12th of April at Balsall Heath Second Saturday , members of the group will be available for a tour of the exhibition. In addition, there will be free cyanotypes of images for the exhibition to collect. and there will be a small portrait studio set up for people to take self-portraits. It’s a fun way to get your studio portrait retaining control of when the portrait is taken!!

Times for exhibition outside of above can be found here instagram.com/prismphotonetwork

photo by Inderjit Deau
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

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)

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.