Art Works Events

Dear Colleagues, I am writing to invite you all to provide information about any forthcoming arts/community events you are planning to host between Feb 15 & Mar 16, 2014. Birmingham City Council are hosting an end of programme symposium on Tues 19 March to celebrate the Arts Champion and Local Arts Forum schemes.

The Drum Arts Centre, as Arts Champion for the Hall Green District in partnership with the Arts Forum Lead, St Paul's Development Trust, we would like to celebrate arts activities delivered across the district.

We aim to include all activities under the banner of "Art Works", which we encourage all participating organisations to use as a #Artworks (tag) on twitter etc. promoting the events across the district. There is likely to be additional publicity (brochure/flyers) linking these activities.

We are also planning to host an Art Works conference including discussion and performances profiling local arts across the district, on Saturday 1st March at Balsall Heath Church Centre from 10am to 3pm.

In the meantime if you could provide me with details of your events, including copy, images, venue, logos and admission fee (free or otherwise), we can put together copy for a brochure.

Copy Deadline is Monday 16 December 2013 in order to complete publicity/print and distribute during mid-January 2014.

Please send your details or for information contact:
Email: i.sergeant@the-drum.org.uk
Tel: 0121 333 2418

Art Works

Dear Colleagues as part of Hall Green District’s contribution to the city-wide showcase of Arts between February 15th & March 16 2014, we are holding a conference called Art Works on Saturday 1st March, 10am-3pm at the Balsall Heath Church Centre.

It will be a practical day aimed at giving participants the chance to learn from each other’s endeavours – What has worked? What hasn’t? What would your advice be to someone doing something similar for the first time?

If you would like to join the planning group to help shape the day, share ideas and make it a really worthwhile occasion, please do come join us! The first planning meeting will be at St. Paul’s Trust, Balsall Heath Initiative Centre, Balsall Heath, B12 8NJ at 11am on 18th December.

RSVP to Ian Edwards (so we know how much cake to provide…)
Email: ian.edwards@stpaulstrust.org.uk
Tel: 0121 464 4376.

Planting trees near Sarehole Mill

Cleanascene at Ort

I popped in to see cleanascene exhibition at Ort Gallery  last week, and had a chat with our very own HGA  Ian Edwards, also a photographer, and part of the team of people who helped coordinate the event with cleanascene.

I recorded a quick podcast with ian explaining more about the event on 7th july 2013, where over 1000 people converged on Nelson Mandela/ Spark Green Park (collecting litter the whole way) for a celebratory arts day, the exhibition now on at Ort, and the ambition for Balsall Heath in the future.

listen to ‘Cleanascene exhib’ on Audioboo

Organise for playing out

Ride for Hope 21st Sept

The procession down Kings Heath High Street for Hope Fennell was bigger this year, with around 400 cyclists and pedestrians taking to the street.

We were there with all our children, who all understood why.  For Jago it reminded him of when he was hit by a bus (minor injuries only), and said he felt people were doing it for all children.  Arthur couldn't understand why nothing had changed.  Freya is just coming to terms with what 'dead' means.

Nazan Fennell, mother of Hope, led the procession.  When we stopped for a few minutes at the crossing Hope died at, she managed to negotiate with the Police officer attempting to clear the road, even after he described it as a 'publicity stunt'.  Hope's friends from school gathered by the ghost bike, while we all waited a short while.  My children were getting a bit impatient, but no one was prepared to move until Nazan said so.  I'm not sure how long we were there for, obstructing the traffic.  As we stood there, I think the police expected the crowds to slowly melt away, but there was a sense of solidarity holding us together, mixed with frustration.

Find out more about Hope Fennell and the Livein Hope campaign or contact khresforum@gmail.com - also see http://hallgreenarts.blogspot.co.uk/p/car-culture.html

Other useful links:

• http://www.ctc.org.uk/blog/rhiaweston/road-safety-procession-to-be-held-on-sat-21st-in-birmingham-in-hope-fennells-name#.UjoFSpKtYBY.facebook
• http://www.b14news.co.uk/protest-march-for-teen/
• http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/mum-hope-fennell-stops-kings-6076170
• http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/hope-fennell-tragedy-mp-urges-6028675
• http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/hope-fennells-killer-driver-jailed-5849881
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-21380645
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-15663711
• http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2415859/Hope-Fennell-death-Lorry-driver-crushed-13-year-old-girl-truck-texted-girlfriend-released-just-THREE-months.html

Moseley Folk 2013

Another fantastic line-up this year as folk festival seems to ever grow.  The fields were re-jigged  a bit to compensate for the ever growing numbers - a nice touch to have live music in the beer tent, with the occasional dance routine breaking out across the queues.  Extras like children's activities and other stuff has always been good at #mofo, and this year saw the Morris hay-down get a bit wild right though to the evening, as the hay kept flying.  All the bands say this is their favourite festival - maybe they would wouldn't they?  But I think it'd be hard to top the lovely laidback family atmosphere Moseley Folk does so well.

Here's a few of my photos from the day.  Only managed to photo Kate Rusby from the stage - see links below for more and better photos






Useful links:

• http://www.moseleyfolk.co.uk/
• http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music/review-moseley-folk-festival-5829389

Street play spreading across Birmingham

Yesterday was National Playday, and in Kings Heath we celebrated with a day of street closures to bring communities together and encourage people to play on the streets.  Goldsmith Road, Woodville Road and Albert Road all closed to cars for the day, and a range of activities were coordinated by the residents of the streets.

It was supported by Hall Green Arts Forum through music activities (provided by Musicshaker Fiona Howe), and also by our pioneering 'Kings Heath Space Explorer' project.  Parks4Play (part of Dens of Equality) provided a range of creative activities, the Library service with street stories and Birmingham City Council were instrumental in providing support to close the roads.

We sent out our young reporters to talk to some of the revellers at Goldsmith Road and Woodville Road:


An estimated 600 people in total took part - mainly residents of the streets themselves - all three streets were visited by Sarah Falkland from Midlands today and was reported live at 1:30 and 3 min clip available on Midlands at 6:30 too:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b037xkkk/Midlands_Today_07_08_2013/?t=21m33s

Laura Watts from Parks for Play was also interviewed on WM Radio and ITV central.

Also some great photos of the day:


Street coordinators will meet in September with City Councillors and other partner organisations (like Hall Green Arts Forum) as the newly formed 'Kings Heath and Moseley Playing out group' and will build on success for to discuss which streets and when streets will open again for play in Birmingham.  See below a short film made for playday:

• http://birminghamlives.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/playday-2013.html
• http://www.itv.com/news/central/update/2013-08-07/streets-closed-for-national-play-day-initiative/

Also see fabulous film:

I Have A Dream Spoken Word Project

Spoken Word Workshop and Performance

We are inviting young people 13-19 years of age from Hall Green, Sparkhill, Balsall Heath, Kings Heath, Moseley, Sparkbrook and Springfield to take part in a series of spoken word workshops leading up to performances at community libraries across the Hall Green district, during Black History Month in October 2013.

"I Have a Dream" is a public speech delivered by African - American civil rights activist The Rev Martin Luther King, Jr. on August 28, 1963, in which he called for an end to racism in the United States. Delivered to over 250,000 civil rights supporters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the speech was a defining moment of the American Civil Rights Movement.

Fifty years later King’s speech is pertinent as ever, his words have a global resonance in countries and nations where citizen’s human and civil rights are violated or denied.

Birmingham’s Black History Month theme commemorates the fiftieth anniversary of what has been regarded, as the most iconic American speech of the 20th century.

The workshops will be led by experienced spoken word artists and performers. They will support young people to develop their own interpretation of “I Have a Dream” speech, making it relevant to them, other young people and society today.

If you are interested in taking part or know of any young people who would be interested in taking part in this exciting historical performance project please contact:

Ian Sergeant Arts Development Outreach Manager, The Drum Arts Centre, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, B6 4UU - email: i.sergeant@the-drum.org.uk Tel: 0121 333 2418

This project is supported by the Arts Champions Scheme, a ground breaking arts initiative that gets Birmingham arts organisations working with residents in their local area.

Place Matters Photography Project

A message from Fairbrum:

Do you have a camera or smartphone?  Can you use social media or email? Do you know what  works well, and what needs changing in your neighbourhood? If so, we want to involve you in shaping Birmingham’s new neighbourhood strategy.

 
On July 23rd we are launching a photography project to capture images of the city’s diverse neighbourhoods from different perspectives.

The aim of the Birmingham neighborhood photography project, “Place Matters”, is to build a collection of images to show what is distinctive about different neighbourhoods across Birmingham and what local people value in their local environment.

Budding photographers are being asked to go out into their local community and take pictures that answer one of the following questions:

 1.What do you like about your area?

 2.What makes your area unique or distinctive?

 3.What would you change about your area?

The project is being run as part of a summer of engagement activities to help shape a new neighbourhood strategy for the city. The images submitted will be made available via an online archive, as an interactive map and in local exhibitions.

To get involved, all you need is a camera or a cameraphone and the ability to upload a photo via Social Media (such as Flickr, Twitter, Facebook) or email.  In short:

 1.Take Photo

 2.Upload it to any social media (or email it to us – fairbrum@birmingham.gov.uk)

 3.Add caption or note where why and when you took the shot

 4.Add the tag or hashtag #fairbrum

 5.Geotag if possible!

http://fairbrum.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/place-matters-neighbourhood-photography-project/

Hall Green Arts Surgery Tonight

Dear all

If you are an artist, crafter, event organiser or a supporter of arts & cultural events in the Hall Green Constituency, you are cordially invited to the next Hall Green Art Surgery.

Venue Details 6.30-8.00 at Highfield, Highfield Rd, Hall Green. B28 0HS

Link to Map: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zlUWykNpf4kc.kAUqMe4mM-Vs

Agenda: as well as giving people a chance to meet up and share information about their activities and challenges, I would like to discuss how our Forum should spend its £1,000 allocation on art & cultural activities in the constituency. I would like to see if there is any interest and support for a GreenFest, perhaps around Sarehole Mill.

In addition Steve Gove-Humphries (who is kindly providing light refreshments) has an idea for an idea for a symposium in November to consider the way forward for the Forum. Here is his idea: "I explained when we met that I wished to propose the disposal of the "£1000" grant-monies to be used to set up a DAY LONG conference at Highfield Hall with speakers, exhibition tents, performers, workshops etc to enable a proper inter action of the varying groups within Hall Green District to exchange ideas, learn from innovators throughout the City & wider & set up a properly accessible DATA BASE for arts entrepreneurs & producers.

We must engage with each other& have a central source of this info. This of course did not come up at the last meeting. I would suggest we can organise this fairly rapidly & certainly by end of year. I propse by say November 2013.

This would leave a legacy of support & a resource in these challenging times. I propse that along side this we make a community chest BID to all 4 WARDS to support the technical infrastructure of a website/data base/ publicity for it et al. We can film some of it & upload info so that if you need to know how to get a grant, apply for a licence there is a ONE-STOP place that will have an "expert" ( as in the ubiquitous YouTube films on varying things ) to assist people through the arcane & somewhat tortuous pathways. This is about empowering people to do it themselves BUT with the caveat of support from other well-seasoned & confident individuals. Council officers & others would surely be happy to share this information. It would also save costs in the financial climate we have. Many others will , I hope , input & share their wide experience"

RSVP ian.edwards@stpaulstrust.org.uk

Please do pass this invite on to those in Hall Green who may be interested.

Old Print Works 5 Sunday Events...Where Are You?

Please can you circulate and post to your forums the attached leaflet link - advertising our current 5 Sundays Programme- being hosted by The Old Print Works. The time is NOW! We have so many fantastic resources in our building all managed by amazing local artists and makers who are keen to welcome new visitors and share their skills. Please help us to spread the word and encourage more designers and makers and more local people to meet, learn and make as we open our doors and get busy.

 

We are looking for MORE stall holders and MORE people to come and visit us during these events- so they can see what we are all about!

 

Facilities OPEN NOW include- Wood and Metal Workshops for Children, The Community Darkroom, The Crafts Studio, The Growing Garden, Ort Café and Gallery, Zoodio, The Music Room (recording studio and workshops), Mendi Tabla Teaching, The Tea Room, Furniture Making... ALL  this at the 5 Sunday events- plus exclusive weekly activities and stalls. See leaflet for more information.

 

With a big thank you and best wishes to you all (and hope to see you on a Sunday soon!)

Sophie

 

Sophie Handy

07768 431124

http://www.oldprintworks.org/

 

Just 3 Sunday's left, Sunday 21st July (FOOD), Sunday 28th July (GARDEN) and Sunday 4th August (HEALTH and WELLBEING)

Garden Party at KHCC

This is the second event supported by Kings Heath space explorers (see space probe 1), funded by Near Neighbours application made in partnership with Hall Green Arts  Forum.

Space Explorers are also supporting a series of street parties to celebrate National Playday where three streets in Kings Heath (Goldsmith, Westfield and Albert Rds) will be open for play (and closed for cars) on 7th August.

Kings Heath Community Centre is just off Kings Heath High Street, 8 Heathfield Road.

Also don't forget HGA meeting at Highbury Hall Thursday 18th 6:30. 

Hall Green Art Surgery 18th July

Dear all If you are an artist, crafter, event organiser or a supporter of arts & cultural events in the Hall Green Constituency, you are cordially invited to the next Hall Green Art Surgery.

Venue Details: 6.30-8.00 at Highfield, Highfield Rd, Hall Green. B28 0HS

Agenda: as well as giving people a chance to meet up and share information about their activities and challenges, I would like to discuss how our Forum should spend its £1,000 allocation on art & cultural activities in the constituency. I would like to see if there is any interest and support for a GreenFest, perhaps around Sarehole Mill. In addition Steve Gove-Humphries (who is kindly providing light refreshments) has an idea for an idea for a symposium in November to consider the way forward for the Forum.

RSVP ian.edwards@stpaulstrust.org.uk

Please do pass this invite on to those in Hall Green who may be interested.

Link to location map: https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=highfield+hall+hall+green&safe=active&fb=1&gl=uk&hq=highfield+hall&hnear=0x4870b93f89137ba9:0x20019956059b3e40,Hall+Green,+West+Midlands&cid=0,0,12739490589959125959&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A

Ian

Balsall Heath Carnival

Only four days to go before Carnival, hits the streets and parks of Balsall Heath! Arts Champions for Hall Green, The Drum Arts Centre is pleased to be part of this years festivities and has programmed performances on the day. We are also delivering carnival arts workshops at Calthorpe Park Play Centre, for 25 children, who have been busily making bugs, bees, butterflies and blooms, with the support of Sophie Handy (Facilitator), Foster Darby (Community & Play), Jeannette, Carol and lately parents of the children. I am excited as the children are and looking forward to seeing them in their costumes on the day. 

The stage show at Pickwick Park kicks off from 12 noon, compared by legendary comedian John Simmit who will also be our DJ. We are pleased to present an array of artists and styles, we guarantee there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Kicking off the performances is Brooklynne - A rising star performing RnB tracks like Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love” along with her own original songs. Meddy Ranks a previous performer at Balsall Heath Carnival brings his own brand of reggae music to nice up the area. Whilst Birmingham born rapper and lyricist Sic’ Nis is sure to have you wanting more.

Gospel Central is one of Birmingham's most unique bands giving gospel music an urban and contemporary edge. Kokumo has been described as not just an artist but also a cultural anthropologist and dub-griot.  He uses his skills as a singer/songwriter and dub-poet to capture his audience, taking them on a cultural, spiritual and political journey. Formed in 1984, Birmingham based Azad Kashmir Folk Group have a dedicated following both in the UK and in Pakistan. They are recognised as one of the leading exponents of ‘Sher Khawani’ (folk poetry).

Guitarist, singer/songwriter Esther Turner from Halesowen  will wow the audience with her acoustic set. Bringing things to a close on the day are Azaad Dhol Group who have performed all over the Midlands and London promoting Birmingham's unique scene, showing the colours and sounds of Bhangra.

We hope you will come and join us on Saturday 6 July at Pickwick Park and join the procession from Balsall Heath Park. There will be plenty of stalls selling food, arts and crafts and fun for all the family!

New Sustrans project to transform Kings Heath

Kings Heath is to be part of a Sustrans led project, 'Active School Neighbourhoods', for which they have secured an extra £3,615,000 funding through the Big Lottery Fund. To launch this project there was a meeting at All Saints centre on Monday for tea, biscuits and a chat.  This is a national programme that will focus on engaging local communities in the redesign of areas around schools & elsewhere with a view to making them safer and more attractive for walking & cycling.

Joe Green from Sustrans says, "Largely due to the efforts and success of the Car Culture project, we have been able to put forward Kings Heath for inclusion in the pilot of this programme (along with two areas in London & Newcastle). Birmingham City Council have agreed to provide match funding towards any capital works resulting from this."

The presentations, by Joe and two other Sustrans colleagues - Finlay McNab and Paola Spivach, highlighted the achievements of our Car Culture project, and an explanation of the origins of Sustrans innovative DIY Streets initiative and how it has already transformed streets across the UK (see more references at bottoom of blog).

It's a fantastic opportunity for Kings Heath - we'll keep you posted as the project develops.

Useful links:

• http://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/sustrans-receives-extra-%C2%A33615000-big-lottery-funding-travel-actively-programme
• http://www.localtrust.org.uk/big-local/environment/environment-case-studies/sustrans-do-it-yourself-streets/
• http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/files/migrated-pdfs/A%20simple%20guide.pdf
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2009/nov/25/diy-streets-clapton-sustrans
• http://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-services/what-we-do/getting-young-people-active

The Drum Arts Centre - July Listings

As Arts Champions for the Hall Green district, The Drum Arts Centre is promoting the p:Articipate scheme to residents of Hall Green, Sparkbrook, Springfield Moseley and Kings Heath

What is p:Articipate?

The p:Articipate scheme offers discounted tickets from as little as £3 for residents of Hall Green District. 

What do you need?

Photo ID and proof of address

How do I get my tickets?

Call The Drum’s Box Office team on 0121 333 2444 to check which events* offer reduced prices.  

Occasionally there will be opportunities to win free tickets when you register. So check with The Drum's Box office team when you register.

 *Terms and conditions apply, to selected events. Offer subject to availability

Below is our July 2013 Listings offering something for everyone...

Music

The Drum in partnership with Perry Barr Arts Forum presents:
Simmer Down Festival in Handsworth Park
Sun 14 Jul, 12pm
Free Admission

Every year it keeps getting bigger and better! Now into its fourth year the open air music festival, Simmer Down, returns to the beautiful surroundings of Handsworth Park to celebrate Birmingham's rich heritage and cultural diversity. This year sees a host of live performances and workshops taking place across several stages, with fun activities for all the family, craft stalls and a range of cultural cuisines showcasing the wealth of talent that exists in our communities. Featuring live on stage: Internationally acclaimed Jamaican Reggae artist, Half Pint, plus Dancehall sensation, Stikki Tantafari and many more.

45 Shop Lock: Sound System Fridays
Fri 26 Jul, 11pm
Tickets: £10 OTD

The Drum's heavyweight residents Luv Injection are lining up some of the most pioneering and legendary sounds from across the UK and internationally for the summer season. These include Empire Sound, King Tubbys, Sufferer Sound, Saxon,Coxsone,Infinity, Stereo Phonic, Kebra Negus, Burn Down Sound from Japan and more. All sounds will enter the arena with their guest vocalists and selectors and play on their own systems, expect a mix of reggae styles and an ear-popping bass sound. Age Restriction 18+


Please note: Tickets will only be available to buy on the night.

Comedy

Upfront Comedy presents: Summer Series July
Fri 5 Jul, 7pm
Tickets: £12.50 (£10.50), £15 OTD


The Summer Series grand finale opens with the return of people's choice, Brixton bus driver comedian Slim, with international guest New Yorker, Sinck, from Comedy Central's The World Stands Up. Irish Jamaican grandma Josephine Lacey makes her Upfront debut. Hosted by Teletubbie turned comedian John Simmit. Suitable for audiences 18+

Literature & Spoken Word

Nubian Readers’ Book Club
Fri 26 Jul, 7:30pm
Tickets: £2


If you’re a fan of books written by African, African-Caribbean and African-American authors then join the Nubian Readers’ Book Club. The lively group meets on the last Friday of every month.

Visual Arts

Reggae Kinda Sweet: Photographs By Pogus Caesar Wed 3 Jul-Sat 31 Aug

Free Admission

The Drum, along with a consortium of partners including Sampad, is hosting a major exhibition of film posters as part of Bollywood 100 in Birmingham, the city-wide celebrations marking one hundred years of Indian cinema. A hundred years ago India's Dadasaheb Phalke, a pioneer in his own right, made a silent movie about a king who never lied; marking the beginning of Indian cinema. By the early 40's the industry had developed, based on a winning recipe which still contributes today to the fame and mass appeal of Indian cinema, namely; song, dance, drama and fantasy.

Young People
Grove School presents Handsworth Evolution Thu 18 Jul, 6.30pm Tickets: £3

As the streets descend into anarchy around them, for one family the show must go on ... A colourful family drama that brings together tangled tales from Handsworth's recent history. Handsworth Evolution celebrates the triumph of this vibrant community in the face of struggle and adversity. Devised, written and performed by ninety primary school children from Grove School in Handsworth, this production, including original pieces of music and dance, promises to be a family-friendly evening of entertainment.

Young Gifted Brum (YGB) is a programme of free weekly creative workshops for children and young people from 8-18 years of age. Workshops have an emphasis on developing practical skills whilst having fun.

Weekly YGB workshops
Starting Tue 16 Apr - Sat 20 Jul

Tuesdays:
Keyboards 5:30pm-6:30pm (Beginners) and 6:30pm-7:30pm (Improvers)

Wednesdays:
It’s Thursday club!!! (Drum roll…) 5:30pm-7:30pm

Saturdays:
Dance & Drama 1pm-5pm (depending on your age and group)

The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham, B6 4UU
Box Office: 0121 333 2444
Website and online bookings: www.the-drum.org.uk
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheDrumBirmingham

Twitter: http://twitter.com/The_Drum

Volunteers Wanted for Balsall Heath Carnival!

It’s that time of year when I ask for support with Balsall Heath Carnival Saturday 6th July, and thanks to those who have already volunteered. We can only put on the event, thanks to the vast amount of support offered by willing volunteers.

As usual, to make the day run smoothly (and to avoid killing anyone with exhaustion) the Carnival Committee welcomes volunteers to assist with all aspects of the day. We need people from 6.30am-7.00pm  to help with a range of task.

If you wish (or at least are prepared) to support the day, please email me to say what you want to put your name down for. It would be useful to have a contact number for you too. If you want to help in a way that isn’t mentioned below, just tell me!

We have a few stalls left, if you know someone who might like one, please ask them to call us on 0121 464 4376.

Many thanks

Ian Edwards

ian.edwards@stpaulstrust.org.uk

Universe of Sound, Municipal Bank

For inspiring use of technology to create immersive sound experience in a Bank (the thick walls and well sound insulated room did help, but really could have been anywhere) this was really fun for all our family, and another great exhibition at the Municipal Bank, which lets hope can establish itself as a very different sort of arts venue on Westside.


The way the orchestra was 'broken up' into it's various parts for you to wander through, with a range of fun musical experiences to have a go at, really caught imagination of everyone in my family.  These sort of simulations are really hard to get right, but when they are, they're awesome!


Useful links:

Thrift Radiates Happiness
Universe of Sound THSH

Balsall Heath Carnival Craft Workshops

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PRINT AND POST AT YOUR VENUE OR OTHER LOCATION

BALSALL HEATH CARNIVAL NEEDS YOU!

Musicians, Singers, Bands, Poets, Magicians, Comedians

BALSALL HEATH CARNIVAL

NEEDS YOU!

 THE DRUM ARTS CENTRE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BALSALL HEATH CARNIVAL IS SEEKING MUSICIANS, BANDS, POETS, MAGICIANS & COMEDIANS TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE BALSALL HEATH CARNIVAL ON SATURDAY 6^TH JULY 2013

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT IAN SERGEANT

Email: program1@the-drum.org.uk

https://www.facebook.com/HGAForum

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!!

Life's Rich Pageant

It's 1938 and Birmingham councillors are under pressure to do something to celebrate the centenary of the city, when Cllr Rigby suggests putting on the biggest pageant the world has ever seen.  Birmingham History Theatre Company document the trials and trivialisations of a pageant documenting the whole of Birmingham's history, from the stone age to 1938 (with a little artistic licence).

"But it's all part of life's rich pageant, you know?" as Peter Sellers would have put it:

Hall Green Arts Forum Surgery - Thurs 23 May, 6.30pm Ort Cafe

Hello all artists, organisations and groups,

Just a quick reminder that the next Art Surgery will take place tomorrow evening. St Paul's Community Development Trust is now leading the Local Arts Forum and we want to find out from you what projects and events are taking place throughout the summer months and later in the year. The surgery is your forum to share your ideas and make contacts so please share this information with your colleagues if you are based or work in any of the Hall Green districts of Balsall Heath, Sparkbrook, Springfield, Moseley, Kings Heath and Hall Green

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Hall Green Arts Forum Surgery
Thursday 23 May, 6,30pm
Ort Cafe 
500-504 Moseley Rd, 
Balsall Heath, 
B12 9AH

Happy Fortieth Birthday

Hello World

Hello World!

I am Ian Edwards and I work for St. Paul’s Community Development Trust in Balsall Heath, where I have been involved in all aspects of arts and cultural activities for the last 30 years.

St. Paul’s has recently taken over the coordinating role for the Hall Green Arts Forum from Marcus, who has done sterling work over the last year. It is my intention to aid the Forum to build on the links and cooperation that Marcus put in place during his year as coordinator. I am sure you will all join me in thanking Marcus for the work he has done helping to raise the profile of arts & cultural activities in Hall Green.

The Future

I am very interests to know what people would like out the HGAF and how we can reach out to potential new members. Your thought will be very welcome!

I am also keen to know about any plans or dates for events, activities installations, exhibitions, plays, workshops or anything else of a vaguely arty or cultural nature, so that I can help advertise it to the widest possible audience.

Save The Date!

I am hoping that we can hold the next Arts Surgery on the evening of 23^rd May, I will send out an invitation as soon as we have a venue!

How To Find me

If anybody wants to say hi, I can be contacted through this blog, @stpaulstrust, ian.edwards@stpaulstrust.org.uk or 0121 464 4376.

 

Ian

Win Free Tickets to see Courtney Pine!

Win Free Tickets to see Courtney Pine!

The Drum, the UK’s Premier Arts Centre are pleased to be hosting the ground breaking, multi-instrumentalist jazz musician Courtney Pine live for one night only on Saturday 27 April debuting material from his latest studio album, House of Legends.

Deeply steeped in the traditions of the Caribbean, this fifteenth album from the award-winning Jazz instrumentalist sees Courtney on top form. Bringing together musicians from Africa, the Caribbean and Europe for vibrant exchanges that tell tales of life from a truly multi-cultural viewpoint. Expect an exhilarating mix of Merengue, Ska, Mento and Calypso.

"Album of The Year 2012 - Unquestionably one of the most joyous albums Pine has ever made, it's just brilliantly effective dance music" – Jazzwise

As Arts Champions for the Hall Green district, The Drum, is giving away 10 tickets to the first 10 residents of Hall Green, Sparkbrook, Springfield Moseley and Kings Heath who register with p:Articipate scheme (see below for more details).

Deadline for this exclusive ticket give away offer is Friday 26 April, 5pm

What is p:Articipate?

The p:Articipate scheme offers discounted tickets from as little as £3 for residents of Hall Green District.

What do you need?

Photo ID and proof of address

How do I get my tickets?

Call The Drum’s Box Office team on 0121 333 2444 to check which events* offer reduced prices.   

 *Terms and conditions apply, to selected events. Offer subject to availability

http://www.the-drum.org.uk/contact/

Critical Meeting Space

Meeting, listening, talking - first steps in critical thinking

So what do you mean by critical?  A question artists generally spend a minute or two considering when they meet up - critical we work together, critical of 'art' and what it achieves, and critical that you make these kind of meetings - Birmingham Critical Spaces met for first time (after pilot) on Wednesday 10 April, 2pm to 4.30pm at Ort Cafe.  I'm sure there's a few other criticals - please forward if you have a minute.

This was a first meeting, so not surprising we started with basics, but pretty quickly we were into interesting territory.  Matt 'opened up a can of worms' starting with the New Library of Birmingham and recent project work related to the week long opening festival controversially replacing 'Artsfest' this year.  Is it meeting the needs of Communities?  Where is engagement outside of city centre?  Where is engagement outside the Custard Factory?  How are community libraries involved?  Some of the many questions raised.  Also how many Artists have had meetings with Brian Gambles in the last couple of weeks?

Does money change our language - is there an art to the application form, and how can we present our ideas and meet the needs of 'communities' more accurately?  Tom Jones, Brum's own Community Arts Champion questioned whether it was really possible to separate art from life, the danger of working within institutions, and the risk art supported by institutions of all kinds can become self-(institutionally speaking)-serving.

How can we wrestle significant public spaces from the architects, and their take on 'public art?  Is it the community artists' lot to transform derelict spaces ready for re-development?  We heard from Ort cafe Josie about how the Ort mission has successfully created a vibrant community arts venue and achieved sustainability.

Then there's the big question of artists successfully collaborating rather than competing, of sharing information, issues of open access and trust.  Here's hoping Critical Space - Locally-national network approach will succeed in developing some interesting partnerships.  In Birmingham, it already has.

For more info see

http://criticalspaces.wordpress.com/

Next meeting Wednesday 5th June 2:00-4:00 location to be confirmed, but if you're missing meeting local artists, check out your local art forum.