MAIA Weekender: Saturday 8th March, Building for Ourselves and Others

Featuring exhibitions, a library, workshops, an outdoor walking tour, performance and food.

 

EXHIBITIONS

TAKE UP SPACE, by Joke Amusan

11:00 - 16:00

SIGNING TREE, 100 Ladywood rd, B16 8SZ

A presentation of works made between 2021 - 2024 by German- Nigerian artist Joke Amusan. Through her exploration of identity, heritage, and migration, she creates immersive installations and evocative sculptures that engage multiple senses. Challenging preconceived notions and perceptions. Her art serves as a conversational bridge: inspiring women to come together, share their stories, and unapologetically embrace their authentic selves.

 

WORKSHOPS AT THE SIGNING TREE

Workshop: From Micro to Macro with Lynda Macfarlane (With Nature In Mind)

11:30 - 12:30,

SIGNING TREE, 100 Ladywood rd, B16 8SZ

Learn the value of community building and self development through plant and seed analogies, whilst you plant and nuture your very own pot. Led by Lynda MacFarlane of With Nature In Mind, this interactive workshop gives participants an opportunity to draw upon elements of their lived experience to galvanise their collective energies into creating something completely different and to follow the journey of their unique creativity with hope for an abundant future.

This talk will be BSL-interpreted.

Workshop: Sites of Imagination with Space Black

13:45 - 14:45

SIGNING TREE, 100 Ladywood rd, B16 8SZ

Founded in 2021 by Rayan Elnayal, an architectural designer, visual artist, and educator, alongside Heba Tabidi, a civil engineer and DJ, Space Black is a creative studio made up of built-environment professionals dedicated to imagining alternative spatial futures for marginalised communities. The studio was established out of frustration with an industry that has continually harmed marginalised groups and disregarded their lived experiences. Through concept design and research, education, and culture, the studio explores alternative modes of practice that extend beyond traditional frameworks, working directly with communities, young people, and radical thinkers.

More info on the workshop to follow.

We will have a BSL interpreter present.

WALKING TOUR

Walking Tour: The Industrial Revelation of African Toil, with Marcia Cross of Black Heritage Networks

15:00 - 16:30

A walking tour around Ladywood. Starting at Signing Tree, ending at Birmingham Settlement.

Black Heritage Walks Network was formed in 2018 as a CIC to highlight the achievements of the African Caribbean community in the UK. The founders Garry Stewart , Dawn Carr and Marcia Dunkley researched the initial Madiba Walk, in order to capture the stories and history of the Windrush generation in Handsworth to mark the 70th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush carrying passengers from the Caribbean. The organisation has developed a plethora of walks, exhibitions, film festivals and educational workshops. The heritage walks offer great opportunity to enjoy some exercise and fresh air, while also developing an understanding of local place, and community.

The walk will end at Birmingham Settlement, ready for n:u’s performance piece.

The walk will be BSL interpreted.

If you would not like to attend the walk, we will also have taxis running from Signing Tree venue to Birmingham Settlement.

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE

FREE(HOLD) by n:u and Yewande Yoyo Odunubi

16:45 - 17:30
Birmingham Settlement, Edgbaston Reservoir, B16 0SL

duration: 40min

FREE(HOLD)
uk /ˈfriː.həʊld/
British
noun
permanent and absolute tenure of land or property with freedom to dispose of it at will.

companion-materials: rope and nail
movement artist: Yewande YoYo Odunubi
choreographer and scenographer: n:u
live describer: Samiir Saunders

Please note a BSL interpreter will not be present for this performance. We will have the Red Shed Cafe open with hot drinks available. As this is an outdoor performance, we advise folks to wrap up warm. After the performance, we will have hot snacks available.

 

Key info

Timings: The day runs 11:00 - 17:30 (With the option to stick around until 18:30 for teas/coffees/hot snacks).

Venues: We start at Signing Tree at 11:00. At 15:00, there’s a Neighbourhood Walk around Ladywood. At 16:00, we gather at Birmingham Settlement for a performance. Taxis can be provided for those not wanting to join the walk.

Food and drink: Food will be served at Signing Tree at 12:30, with vegan and halal options available. At Birmingham Settlement, we’ll have some hot snacks served for iftar.

Access information - The Signing Tree.

  • The Signing Tree Venue has step-free access throughout.

  • The venue has accessible bathrooms including grab rails (but not hoists).

  • We will have a dedicated quiet space.

  • BSL will be at all activities.

Access information - Birmingham Settlement

  • The venue is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible bathroom.

  • We will not have BSL present.

  • The performance will be taking place outdoors so we advise folks to wrap up warm.

  • We will also have access to the Red Shed at Birmingham Settlement, where hot drinks will be served.

Access information across all sites.

  • We have ear defenders & stim toys available.

  • We have a single pendant-style induction loop available.

  • We politely request not attending our events if you have covid, cold or flu like symptoms.

  • Masks are not required at these events. Masks & Covid tests will be provided at entrances.

  • We have an Access Request Form to request BSL, Audio Description, Live Captioning, travel expenses, childcare expenses and other access needs to attend any of our events.

If you have any questions or specific needs we can support you with please email us at programme@maiagroup.co