In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.
All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style. Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!
Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)
The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works
We are holding a space this Saturday for people to come and share their personal experience of how they are feeling. We will sit and listen to each other and just be.
We believe understanding, communication and love is what the world needs.
This is a space open to all. To share, to be present , to witness We are stronger together.
Never been to a sharing circle? Don’t worry, you don’t have to share, you can just sit and be.
Iron on Vinyl Workshop – Love Wins – take your message to the streets Bring your clothes, tote bag or similar, we have the vinyl. You can find out more about Serefina on her Instagram www.instagram.com/serefina_taylor or on her website SerefinaTaylor.co.uk
The Upholstery Group will have their doors open so you can visit and see their work – and maybe get involved – all day, Lower Gallery, The Old Print Works
In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.
All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style. Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!
Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)
A relaxed environment to learn and try acting, performance and storytelling techniques. Beginner sessions – all skill levels welcome – The Old Print Works – time TBC
TURNING POINT is a video installation created by Sweet Patootee Arts @sweetpatooteearts Inspired by the oral testimonies of people who lived and worked in the Caribbean in the 1920s, these films combine monologue-style performances, melodrama, comedy, projection, poetry, visual arts, folk songs and 3D sound to convey this momentous moment of history in Britain’s former slave colonies after the First World War – a new era for Black identity and pride ✊🏿
We were honoured to be approached by Sweet Patootee Arts about sharing this work at The GAP as part of their vision to tour TURNING POINT beyond large museums by bringing it directly to local communities across Birmingham and London.
Sweet Patootee also invited us to programme a series of interactive events that relate to the films in the exhibition, which members of our youth forum The Culture Collective helped us to shape. We’ll be sharing more information about these very soon 👀✨
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE EXHIBITION?
🔴 Free entry, as always
🔴 The films will be played on loop in our gallery space, with headphones provided
🔴 Total running time 40 minutes (4 segments of 10 minutes each)
🔴 Please note, these films contain content which some visitors may find upsetting or distressing. Information on relevant support services will be displayed
🔴 A complimentary mini-exhibition on the political history of the period – curated by Nirad Abrol and Isra Kausar – will also be on display in the cafe area
Browse, Borrow & Return The Old Print Works 1-5pm Explore the Birmingham Resistance Library collection, become a member and borrow a book. Membership is open to all. You can browse the catalogue in advance online too – birminghamresistancelibrary.co.uk
Design and Print a Bookmark The Old Print Works 2-3pm Design a bookmark and print 5 copies. Facilitated by Print and Matter @printandmatter.
Read and Reflect Circle The Drawing Room (The Old Print Works) 5-6.30pm An open space to share and discuss books and writings on resistance. Read an extract from one of the library books, share something you have written, or simply listen/ join the conversation. No pressure, everyone welcome.
There will be a drop-in drawing/colouring activity suitable for all ages from 1-5pm in the Director’s Office.
Donations- donate a book on the day, link in bio for our wish list or donate a book related to ‘resistance’ that you have read and recommend.
Imagine this: a room filled with laughter, creativity, and the buzz of sewing machines as you and your partner take on the challenge. You can turn preloved garments into fabulous new creations, unleashing your inner fashion designer!
At the end of the day, we’ll have a spectacular catwalk show to showcase everyone’s fabulous creations, with prizes for the best efforts. We might even have a guest judge or two!
Picture the excitement as your designs strut down the runway, the applause, the fun, and maybe even a little friendly competition.
But wait, there’s more! There will be refreshments, nibbles, music, and plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow sewists.
It’s going to be a day full of joy, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or a complete beginner, everyone is welcome to join in the fun.
Transformation Challenge
Tickets to enter the Transformation Challenge are £25 per person
What to Expect… Sewing Shenanigans: Following an afternoon of sewing shenanigans, our lovely sewists who entered the Transformation Challenge will be ready to strut their stuff on the catwalk to show off their fabulous creations. It would be amazing if you could come along and cheer them on. Special Guest Judges: There will be some special guest judges giving out some awesome prizes Music, Drinks & Nibbles: Enjoy a delightful selection of drinks and nibbles throughout the afternoon. Tickets: Entry for the catwalk show is free! Raffle: There will be raffle tickets for sale for your chance to win some fabulous prizes – all proceeds will go to Anawim. Sponsership: The Event is being sponsored by Frank Nutt Sewing MachinesEntry is free but you will still need to book a ticket as places are limitedDate: Saturday 13th July 2024Time: 4.30pm – 7pm
Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday. Repairers include textiles and knife sharpening, Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day
In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.
All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style. Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!
Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)
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.
A relaxed environment to learn and try acting, performance and storytelling techniques. Beginner sessions – all skill levels welcome – The Old Print Works – time TBC
A relaxed environment to learn and try acting, performance and storytelling techniques. Beginner sessions – all skill levels welcome – The Old Print Works – time TBC
The fourth in a series of beginners crochet workshops at consecutive Balsall Heath Second Saturdays. This workshop will help you to start seeing the potential of crochet. And you’ll take home your work at the end of the session. Left-handed tuition available
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.
Two films about retrofit: our homes and neighbourhoods, and the huge 1960s Smallbrook Ringway building in the city centre.
RETROFIT REIMAGINED – embargoed film preview!
We’re delighted to preview in Balsall Heath this inspiring 18 minute film.
Retrofit means insulating your home to cut fuel bills, cut carbon, improve health, give new jobs and skills.
Retrofit Balsall Heath is a community-led local group, and co-founder of RETROFIT REIMAGINED Festival, created in July 2022 in collaborative with Civic Square in Ladywood and others.
Retrofit Balsall Heath is working to embody RETROFIT REIMAGINED’s foundational question: “What if the climate transition and retrofit of our homes and streets were designed, owned and governed by the people who live there?”
In autumn 2023, RETROFIT REIMAGINED toured to five venues across the UK, launching in Balsall Heath at Moseley Road Baths. This beautifully created film tells the whole story.
18 minutes
SAVING SMALLBROOK – fresh from première at Flatpack film festival!
Although Birmingham City Council’s planning committee voted to demolish Smallbrook Ringway Centre, the fight is still on, with a new legal challenge.
This 2-year ongoing planning battle has been captured on film by Liverpool’s Doberman Films, in a new documentary which explores the city’s ambivalent relationship with its post-war heritage.
Like its sister building the Rotunda, Smallbrook Ringway Centre was designed in the 1960s by Birmingham architect Jim Roberts.
Retrofitting would be much lower carbon than the 187 million kg of CO2 for demolition and rebuilding.
25 minutes
Free event, with Q&A, and donations invited to Save Smallbrook crowdfunding campaign
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
In this beginner’s bookbinding workshop, you will learn a saddle stitch binding method and create a one of a kind pocket journal to take home.
All tools are provided, along with a wide selection of papers, card stock, magazines, old books, maps and more. You will get to pick the pages for your notebook, learn how to bind them together and then decorate the cover in your own style. Feel free to bring with you: old envelopes, pages from unused notebooks or sketchbooks, sheet music, maps, posters, old books, cards, paper bags, wrapping paper. Anything goes!
Suitable for older children accompanied by an adult (we will be using sharp tools – an awl, needle, scissors and craft knife)