A SEASON OF FUN, FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

18 JUNE – 25 SEPTEMBER 2011

Four decades since heavy metal was unleashed onto the world, Home of Metal arrives this summer, presenting a series of ambitious exhibitions and associated cultural programme which explore the foundations, social context and heritage of heavy metal culture, which has gone on to be a global phenomenon.

For too long Birmingham and the Black Country have failed to celebrate what is rightfully theirs – to claim the city and the region as the birthplace of ‘Heavy Metal’. Curated by Capsule, Home of Metal is a celebration of the music that was created in the West Midlands, its legacy and influence across the world.

As part of the season of the events across Birmingham and the Black Country, there are plenty of fun and diverse activities suitable for children and families throughout the summer:

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery:

DIY Guitars with Juneau Projects

On Tuesdays throughout August join acclaimed artists Juneau Projects to create cardboard guitars and invent instruments. By adding simple electronics to trigger sound samples, participants will be able to take to the stage and play! Family badge making and Design Your Own Home of Metal T-shirt workshops will take place on alternate Thursdays throughout August. £1.50 per participant.

Collectors Day – Saturday 27 August. 11.30am-3.30pm

Many of the objects in the Home of Metal exhibition are part of someone’s treasured collection. Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery are looking for avid collectors to show off their collections. They do not need to be music related but small enough to fit on a trestle table. Cost £10.00 per table and there will be a selection process to avoid duplication.  For more information and application form, contact Julia Kirby [email protected]

Wolverhampton Art Gallery:

Discover family activities almost every day throughout August. Families will be able to create a vinyl clock, acknowledge their Metal heroes with some badge making, customise clothes and create new mind-blowing artwork inspired by Rock and Metal album covers.

Rock on Day! – Wednesday 3 August. 11am-3pm.

Immerse yourself in a day of Rock, both Heavy and Industrial. Rock out with our DJ, make a cardboard guitar with Juneau Projects, and bring your fossils for Dr. Fossil to identify and more. Free, drop-in.

Rock with the Sleeveface phenomenon! sleeveface.com (Saturdays 8 & 22 August, 11am-12pm & 1pm – 2pm), delve into music history, choose and album cover, place it in front your face and have a photo taken. Free, drop-in.

The New Art Gallery Walsall:

Fanzine Frenzie– Saturday 6 August. 11am- 4pm

Make fanzines inspired by Home of Metal and Mark Titchner’s BE TRUE TO YOUR OBLIVION exhibition with artist Bunny Bissoux

Also, Tate Movie Project presents The Itch of the Golden Nit, an animated film showcasing the artwork of thousands of children across the UK and featuring the voice talent of David Walliams, Miranda Hart, Harry Enfield and Catherine Tate. Free, special screenings throughout the day. www.tatemovie.co.uk

 

Walsall Leather Museum:

Wednesday Club – Rock Stars!  – 27 July, 3, 10, 17, 24 August

Calling all mini rock star wannabees! Each Wednesday there will be an opportunity to work with artists to create your own Metal-inspired memorabilia including your own guitar or album cover. £1.50, Booking essential. A whole host of Metal drop-in activities will also take place on Saturdays throughout the Summer.

The Public

From 1-4 September The Public will host a number of activities for the whole family including contributing to a metal themed video inspired by The Art of Noise exhibition and creating Heavy Metal themed interactive sculptures.

Haden Hill House Museum:

Metal-inspired craft activities on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the school summer holidays include making everything from T-shirts to your own Biker Beads.

Bat out of Hell – Bat Walks – late August/September

Ozzy may not have been the bat’s best friend, but come and learn about every rocker’s favourite animal with our bat walks. Use the bat detector and see what creatures of the night you can find!

Wednesbury Museum& Art Gallery:

Home of Metal inspired activities on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons throughout the summer holidays include designing your own T-shirt, DIY album covers and even make your own musical instrument.

Home of Metal Family Fun Day – Thursday 18 August. 12-4pm

Make your own guitar which you can play with Juneau Projects and lots more activities. Entrance Free.

The Manor House Museum:

Home of Metal Family Fun Day – Thursday 25 August. 12-4pm

Make your own guitar which you can play with Juneau Projects and lots more activities. Entrance Free.