Balsall Heath Second Saturday

The Second Saturday of the Month

Category: Art

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

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

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

    Saturday 8th March, 11am – 4pm

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

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

    Part One of this exhibition runs throughout March.

  • International Womens Day – arts activities with Sevonah Golabi

    International Womens Day – arts activities with Sevonah Golabi

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

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

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

    11.30-2.30, free drop in.

  • Adfree Cities presents Digital Dystopia

    Adfree Cities presents Digital Dystopia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Kids Art Workshop with Blue Hands

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

  • More Than Sight  exhibition

    More Than Sight  exhibition

    GAP Gallery 10am-4pm

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

    WORKSHOP

    Try your hand at our sensory Clay Challenges

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

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

    Drop-in / All welcome

    Taking place as part of @balsallheathsecondsaturday

  • The Original Art Club

    The Original Art Club

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

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

  • SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION

    SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION

    SEWING SOLIDARITY EXHIBITION 🧵✨ ✊

    This exhibition showcases the artworks produced by Sewing Solidarity, a GAP project led by artist Jane Thakoordin that invited young people aged 13 – 18 to create a series of new banners for Balsall Heath and The GAP inspired by the trade union banner tradition.

    Over several months, young people took part in a series of sessions at The GAP in which we explored working class stories, local histories and banner art, and experimented with textile design techniques and slogans to co-design and collectively create five beautiful banners.

    The final designs bring together traditional and contemporary elements, and are inspired by the diversity and culture of Balsall Heath, and the richness of its community spirit and generosity despite not being monetarily rich. In times of difficulty, people have come together to support one another and show solidarity, despite our differences.

    In the trade union tradition, the Sewing Solidarity banners have been created as lasting pieces that can be used at community events, protests, demonstrations and celebrations to represent our solidarity for years to come. Please let us know if you have any suggestions for how or where these banners might be displayed in the local area!

    About the artists

    Jane Thakoordin is a participatory artist with over 30 years experience of co-creation with groups and organisations both regionally and nationally. Using textiles as the main medium, Jane draws on her background as a mental health professional and tutor to create spaces where people can experiment and express themselves. Follow Jane @janethakoordin_

    Project participants – Nimra, Naveera, Ruby, Mohamed, Mohammed, Nasaradin, Mariya, Zahra, Chi, Ezra, Jo, Hala, Mariya, Ayda, and everyone who joined us at Balsall Heath Second Saturday!

    Funded by @westmids_ca and @bhamcitycouncil

  • Crafts with Itzatna Arts

    Crafts with Itzatna Arts

    Crafting activities with Itzatna Arts.

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

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

  • Do Make Say Ink x Kings Heath Action for Refugees

    Do Make Say Ink x Kings Heath Action for Refugees

    12 onwards

    Screen printing drop in. Come and create a screen printed poster celebrating Birmingham as a welcoming city and place of refuge. Cut out your own shapes to use, or use some of our own. All materials provided.

    Free/donation to Kings Heath Action for Refugees.

  • 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
  • Collage gift box workshop

    Collage gift box workshop

    11am – 1pm

    Come and make a sturdy beautiful collage gift box. All welcome. No prior experience required.

  • Do Make Say Ink x Kings Heath Action for Refugees

    Do Make Say Ink x Kings Heath Action for Refugees

    12 onwards

    Screen printing drop in. Come and create a screen printed poster celebrating Birmingham as a welcoming city and place of refuge. Cut out your own shapes to use, or use some of our own. All materials provided.

    Free/donation to Kings Heath Action for Refugees.

  • Petals, Wings & Charms – Creative Crafts for Mexican Day of the Dead

    Petals, Wings & Charms – Creative Crafts for Mexican Day of the Dead

    Join ITZATNA for a colourful celebration of Life and Memory: Day of the Dead Arts & Crafts Workshop!

    Step into a world of vibrant colours, rich traditions, and heartfelt creativity as we honour Mexico’s Day of the Dead through arts and crafts! In this unique hands-on family-friendly workshop, you’ll learn about the magic of ‘Día de los Muertos’ while exploring traditional Mexican symbols like marigold flowers, monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and the enchanting *Árboles de Vida* (Trees of Life) charms crafted in clay.

    What to Expect:

    – Paper Marigolds: Learn to make delicate, vibrant *flores de cempasúchil*, the iconic marigold flowers that light the path for spirits with their radiant orange glow.

    – Butterfly Ancestors: Craft your own beautiful butterflies, symbolising the souls of ancestors returning to visit during this sacred time.

    – Hummingbird Creations: Capture the spirit of the hummingbird, a beloved symbol of love, resilience and joy, in your own unique art.

    – Clay Charms: Create your own small *árbol de vida*, or tree of life, to honour loved ones and celebrate the beauty of the cycle of life.

    Whether you’re an experienced artist or simply excited to try something new, this workshop is the perfect way to celebrate Día de los Muertos in a meaningful and creative way. Bring friends, family, or come solo and connect with others who are excited to honour these beautiful traditions.

    Reserve your spot today, and join us as we remember, create, and celebrate together. ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

    Suitable for families with children aged 4+

    All Workshops are Drop-In & ‘Pay What You Can’ donations. 

    Any questions? Email us on contact[at]itzatna[dot]org or DM us on socials @itzatna.arts // @itzatna_arts

  • 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

  • WHITE POPPY EVENT

    WHITE POPPY EVENT

    2-5PM

    The Mix Cafe

    Children & family friendly

    Craft activities include making:

    • Paper poppies/doves and coloring in
    • Palestine themed friendship bracelet
    • Badges
    • Peace stories and drawings

    Craft stall and baked goods for sale. All proceeds will go to MATW Limbs of Hope Project (and supporting a family in Gaza)

    £5 per child, £2.50 per additional child

  • Memories Carried

    Memories Carried

    ****Full timetable of activities to follow, including games, music, discussion and more*****

    Following the inaugural Memories Carried exhibition at the Amnesty International’s London HQ in May 2024, and the launch event at the MIAH Foundation on the 26th October 2024, Art Forward are proud to announce the expanded Memories Carried Campaign and International Touring Exhibition.

    The exhibition series brings together over 20 international photographers and activists, including artists from Palestine, the wider Arab Region, across Latin America, the UK and Europe, as well as Israel, all committed to raising funds for charities on the ground in OPT and Lebanon. Exhibitions will take place in Birmingham and Newcastle, UK; Paris, France and Berlin, Germany, supporting Al Haq, Al Mezan, The Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund, and Health Workers for Palestine.

    As part of the campaign, The Wall of Hope initiative will invite the public to take portraits of friends and family with a personal message of hope, which can be submitted online with a donation and an invitation to others to do the same. Beyond raising funds, the aim is to create a digital wall of portraits to offer hope and solidarity with the people of Gaza. This will be exhibited online and internationally at events, including projections on public landmarks.

    Through an evolving programme of exhibitions, film screenings and workshops, and most importantly through community building and conversation, this campaign will educate the public, support organisations working on the ground in Gaza and the Occupied West Bank, and build a repository of hope with international reach.

    Memories Carried will unite prominent voices on both a global stage and within local communities, denouncing the systematic discrimination of Palestinians under Israel’s system of apartheid.

  • The Original Art Club – Every month at Second Saturdays

    The Original Art Club – Every month at Second Saturdays

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

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

  • Art Making Workshop with The GAP

    Art Making Workshop with The GAP

    The GAP invites you to join them this @balsallheathsecondsaturday to create your own visual artwork responding to the theme of ‘CYCLES’ and submit it to be included in an upcoming group exhibition in The GAP Gallery 💫💫💫

    A wide variety of art materials will be provided, as well as prompts to inspire imaginative responses to the theme 🎨🖌️✂️✏️🧶🚲🌛🌪️🌱🌻🍂❄️🌀🌍💫🕐

    1.30 – 4.30pm

    Free / Drop-in / For ages 0 – 30

  • 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.

  • The Original Art Club – Every month at Second Saturdays

    The Original Art Club – Every month at Second Saturdays

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

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

  • Banner making workshop 10am-12pm

    Banner making workshop 10am-12pm

    Make a banner then make some noise – materials and assistance available 10am – 12pm

  • 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
  • Abstract Art Workshop

    Abstract Art Workshop

    Afternoon, The Old Print Works

    Suki will demostrate abstract art painting, and then will lead you through creating your own piece of art to take home.

    All materials provided, donation

  • The Original Art Club – Every month at Second Saturdays

    The Original Art Club – Every month at Second Saturdays

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

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

  • The B.A.B. Collective Debut

    The B.A.B. Collective Debut

    The first B.A.B.! Free entry

    With installation bar, poetry, live music, drag, comedy, food, DJs, dance, art, scavenger hunt & a queer ol’ sing-song.

  • The Original Art Club – Every month at Second Saturdays

    The Original Art Club – Every month at Second Saturdays

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

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

  • Meet and Make – Art Club – June

    Meet and Make – Art Club – June

    Meet and Make at June Second Saturday
    Find a new place to create, get out of familiar settings. Meet other creatives. Bring your art and work on it without distractions. For people who just want to pop in and have a draw/paint scribble some resources will be supplied paper, paint easels and boards, brushes ect.
    Time & Place: from 13:00pm onwards, Upper Gallery, The Old Print Works
    Subs: £4:00

  • 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
  • Ceremony of Self at The GAP

    Ceremony of Self at The GAP

    Ceremony of Self to will be joining Second Saturday in The GAP on Saturday 11th May. Join them for a drop in art making workshop for all ages.

  • Meet and Make – Art Club

    Meet and Make – Art Club

    Meet and Make debut at May Second Saturday
    Find a new place to create, get out of familiar settings. Meet other creatives. Bring your art and work on it without distractions. For people who just want to pop in and have a draw/paint scribble some resources will be supplied paper, paint easels and boards, brushes ect.
    Time & Place: from 13:00pm onwards, Upper Gallery, The Old Print Works
    Subs: £4:00