Current Events
Who Cares? with Kaye Winwood
Thu 6 June - Sun 22 Sep
Midlands Arts Centre, Community Gallery
Balsall Heath CATS was created to support families with disabled children and young people. Midlands Arts Centre collaborated with artist Kaye Winwood to create a project with the caregivers, primarily mothers, of these children.
Over four months, Kaye and invited experts provided a safe, creative environment to help these women integrate self-care into their daily routines. This offered them essential breaks from their demanding caregiving responsibilities, which are both non-stop and fulfilling. This exhibition will present some of their creative journey in objects, words and images.
Who Cares? Ceramics workshop with BHCATS, Midlands Arts Centre, 2024. Photo by Will Pace.
Thu 6 June - Sun 22 Sep
Midlands Arts Centre, Community Gallery
Balsall Heath CATS was created to support families with disabled children and young people. Midlands Arts Centre collaborated with artist Kaye Winwood to create a project with the caregivers, primarily mothers, of these children.
Over four months, Kaye and invited experts provided a safe, creative environment to help these women integrate self-care into their daily routines. This offered them essential breaks from their demanding caregiving responsibilities, which are both non-stop and fulfilling. This exhibition will present some of their creative journey in objects, words and images.
Who Cares? Ceramics workshop with BHCATS, Midlands Arts Centre, 2024. Photo by Will Pace.
Current Projects
Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage
Sampad has launched three distinctive projects that highlight their commitment to cultural engagement and community well-being.
Let's Dance involves dance and movement sessions specifically designed for South Asian elderly individuals. To support this, Sampad provided training for local dancers, equipping them with the skills needed to lead these sessions. Groups of elders have already participated in sessions at locations such as Apna Ghar, Ghulab Ashram, and a ladies' group in Edgbaston.
In collaboration with Birmingham MIND, Sampad are also hosting a series of workshops focused on enhancing mental well-being, held at Birmingham MIND Hubs. They have conducted four taster sessions at the Bull Ring MIND Hub, where participants engaged in activities like lantern making, stitching, fabric collaging, and poetry writing.
Finally, Sampad is continuing its partnership with the Journey LGBTQ+ Asylum Seeker group, focusing on exploring identity and well-being. This collaboration includes crafting a soundscape, creating projections, and developing a Queermap. They are currently working closely with Ash Mukherjee to devise a program of activities for members to participate in during October and November. Ash has also led a successful taster session, where participants created clay figures and worked on affirmations.
Sampad has launched three distinctive projects that highlight their commitment to cultural engagement and community well-being.
Let's Dance involves dance and movement sessions specifically designed for South Asian elderly individuals. To support this, Sampad provided training for local dancers, equipping them with the skills needed to lead these sessions. Groups of elders have already participated in sessions at locations such as Apna Ghar, Ghulab Ashram, and a ladies' group in Edgbaston.
In collaboration with Birmingham MIND, Sampad are also hosting a series of workshops focused on enhancing mental well-being, held at Birmingham MIND Hubs. They have conducted four taster sessions at the Bull Ring MIND Hub, where participants engaged in activities like lantern making, stitching, fabric collaging, and poetry writing.
Finally, Sampad is continuing its partnership with the Journey LGBTQ+ Asylum Seeker group, focusing on exploring identity and well-being. This collaboration includes crafting a soundscape, creating projections, and developing a Queermap. They are currently working closely with Ash Mukherjee to devise a program of activities for members to participate in during October and November. Ash has also led a successful taster session, where participants created clay figures and worked on affirmations.
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
LGBTeehee, developed by The Birmingham REP, merges comedy and psychology to boost mental health in LGBTQ+ individuals. Through story-sharing, comedic collaboration, and performance, participants find resilience and joy. This innovative approach fosters well-being through humor and creative expression.
Midlands Arts Centre
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) are continuing its current mental health programme, offering diverse artistic activities. Participants are exploring pottery, textiles, photography and more, with sessions extending into Cannon Hill Park. Recognising the therapeutic value of nature, MAC integrates green spaces into its holistic approach, fostering well-being through creativity and connection.
Red Earth Collective
Red Earth Collective are working with a local artist to lead activities like drumming, singing, and storytelling. Guest artists, including choreographers and singing coaches, have been enriching sessions. Collaborative poetry sessions are integrating individual reflections into a collective piece, enhancing healing through artistic expression.
LGBTeehee, developed by The Birmingham REP, merges comedy and psychology to boost mental health in LGBTQ+ individuals. Through story-sharing, comedic collaboration, and performance, participants find resilience and joy. This innovative approach fosters well-being through humor and creative expression.
Midlands Arts Centre
Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) are continuing its current mental health programme, offering diverse artistic activities. Participants are exploring pottery, textiles, photography and more, with sessions extending into Cannon Hill Park. Recognising the therapeutic value of nature, MAC integrates green spaces into its holistic approach, fostering well-being through creativity and connection.
Red Earth Collective
Red Earth Collective are working with a local artist to lead activities like drumming, singing, and storytelling. Guest artists, including choreographers and singing coaches, have been enriching sessions. Collaborative poetry sessions are integrating individual reflections into a collective piece, enhancing healing through artistic expression.
