From Saturday until 10 July, the free My Route exhibition trail aims to paint a picture of what it is to live and work on Stratford Road, giving an insight into the rich social history of the area. Stratford Road has long been an arrival point for new migrants arriving in Birmingham, many of whom have settled and become important members of the community.
The exhibition consists of new images by Vanley Burke. Blown up to three metres high, the eleven images of Stratford Road residents will be placed on the exterior of Stratford Road Baptist Church and the former Hubb Community Arts Centre, adjacent to the Aldi car park in Sparkbrook. They are accompanied by short audio clips housed in purpose-built sound pods artist Brian Duffy, best known for his work with Modified Toy Orchestra.
The photography exhibition is accompanied by a series of associated exhibitions and events on and around the Stratford Road:
- Hall Green Library will also host an exhibition detailing life on Stratford Road during the Second World War.
- Sarehole Mill will tell the story of trade and industry along Stratford Road in a visual exhibition.
- Dr David Richardson will lead Heritage trail walking tours along Stratford Road.
The My Route exhibition is the highlight of an 18-month project led by Sampad South Asian Arts researching the social history of Stratford Road. The findings will form the basis of a new archive, to be housed at the Library of Birmingham, and educational resources.
More information on the project can be found here.