Introducing Believe in Balsall Heath and our Commissioned Artist
Believe in Balsall Heath is a transformative community arts and heritage initiative brought to you by local organisations to celebrate the people, culture, and history of Balsall Heath.
As we mark the area’s 750th anniversary, the project invites everyone – residents, visitors,
and communities – to come together in honouring its rich heritage and vibrant diversity.
Who is involved?
Funded by Birmingham City Council, this collaborative project brings together:
● The Old Print Works
● The MIAH Foundation
● The GAP Arts Project
● Fruit & Nut Village
● Balsall Heath Local History Society
Together, these organisations are working to bring renewed pride to the streets of Balsall
Heath through community events, workshops, and street planting initiatives.
What to expect
One of the project’s most visible and exciting outcomes will be a series of commissioned
street banners, installed across Balsall Heath’s high streets. These artworks will celebrate
and commemorate the area’s history, identity, and community pride – making heritage
something you can see and experience in public space.
Our commissioned artist: Faisal Hussain
Last month we were excited to announce Faisal Hussain as the commissioned artist for the
Believe in Balsall Heath project and we received a wonderful response from the community:
“I’m an artist based in Birmingham. My work spans public art, film, archive,
sculpture, audio, and text. I create work that questions perceptions, challenges
lazy stereotypes, and highlights missing histories and overlooked stories.”
Faisal brings not only a multidisciplinary artistic practice, but also a deep personal
connection to Balsall Heath:
“I’m particularly excited to be working in Balsall Heath as I have generational
roots there – from my grandfather sharing a house with workers in the 60s, to my
mother’s shop on Stratford Road in the 90s, to working in my family business in
the 00s. I have memories of music, food, Qur’an classes, functions and raves
here. It’s a special place – often overlooked – and I’m looking forward to creating
something that reflects its people, past, and future.”
Looking ahead
Over the coming months, Faisal will develop a series of street-based artworks to be
exhibited across Balsall Heath. Drawing on the area’s rich history, culture, and lived
experiences, these works will form a bold and public celebration of the neighbourhood.
To stay updated with the project, follow us on Instagram (@believeinbalsallheath) and sign up to our Newsletter
Heba Y
Project Coordinator – Believe in Balsall Heath