South Asian Heritage Month art exhibition announced

History and culture to feature in month-long exhibition.

The heARTivism Project has announced that it will be producing an exhibition and series of events, entitled Voices Of The Unheard in commemoration of South Asian Heritage Month from 18th July to 17th August.

This is a collaboration between The Birmingham Contemporary Art Gallery, The heARTivism Project and SAHM Birmingham Committee. The opening event will be held on 18th July and will feature live music, poetry, dancing and esteemed guest speakers.

The event and exhibition will explore and showcase the history and culture of South Asians, and the contributions they have made and continue to make, to Britain, to its economy and to the world. A series of mini events and empowerment panel discussions on a variety of topics, including women in sports, mental health and identity, will be taking place throughout the month. An art exhibition showcasing South Asian talent in fine art, sculpture and photography will also be on show throughout the month at The Birmingham Contemporary Art Gallery.

Voices Of The Unheard will provide a platform to bring communities together through storytelling, creativity, history and open conversations.

The Birmingham Contemporary Art Gallery will open its doors to the public at 3pm on the 18th July, in accordance with the national health and safety guidelines around Covid-19. All will be welcomed to experience this fantastic opportunity to celebrate community, heritage and diversity.

The heARTivism Project CIC is a not for profit organisation based in Birmingham city centre. It was set up in 2021 by Sarah and Albert Wallace, directors of The Birmingham Contemporary Art Gallery, as a result of the different dynamics that played out in 2020, from George Floyd’s killing and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, to the national open discussions here in the UK regarding the need for institutional and structural reforms around race and inclusion.

Albert Wallace says, “These reforms have long been needed within the cultural and creative sector and the focal point of what we’re exploring, is to form partnerships with local organisations and grassroots groups, to bring their creative projects and cultural celebrations into premium arts spaces to reach a wider audience”.

Asif Ahmed, Non-Executive Chairman of The heARTivism Project and Executive Chairman of MirZyme Therapeutics, adds, “Togetherness in tough times brings out the best of humanity. When the call to action comes, support comes from the most unexpected places and I’ve seen this during the current crisis in India. Birmingham is a multicultural, multi-ethnic, multilingual community and we love to celebrate its diversity in an inclusive way through the medium of art, music, education and entrepreneurism.

“The heARTivism Project is bringing the people and businesses of Birmingham together to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month and we hope to recognise and celebrate some of the people who have made a difference to the lives of others in the West Midlands.”

The heARTivism Project also seeks to develop radical creative, social engagement programmes that address social and economic issues, community isolation, women’s rights, disabilities, mental health and post Covid-19 support.

For more information visit theheartivismproject.uk email [email protected] or phone 0121 236 0652.