Eleven individual artists and four small arts companies (twenty-eight artists in total) were selected to take part in Creative Leap. Over the course of the programme, these artists created and showcased fourteen new pieces of work including four dance performances, a multi-media theatre piece, two painting and photography exhibitions, a site-specific mixed media installation, an urban sculpture project, an environmental project, three films and a narrative drama told via animation and mixed media.

I spoke on this at the end of last year and was genuinely very impressed by the calibre of the artists on the programme and how they were being brought on. The review’s worth a flick through.

On 3 March, two films by Creative Leap artists will be screened from 5.30pm – 7pm at Ward End Library.

The Door by Benjamin Pinnock – a live action and animation drama short set in Erdington and Aston shown through the eyes of a lead character who discovers he has the ability to alter time.

Experimental Urban Morris Dance by Mark Essen explores the similarities and connections between urban street dance and British folk dance.

There will also be a Q & A session with film-makers Benjamin Pinnock and Mark Essen, along with advice from industry practitioners Katy Woods and Tas Bashir.

The event is free admission.

Dee Patel‘s photographic series ‘Land of Hope & Glory‘, is a non-political piece aiming to remind us that immigration is not a 21st century phenomenon, it’s been occurring for hundreds of years, bringing with it opportunity and diversity.

Behind each immigration statistic lies a story and with it, a human being. Throughout the series, Dee photographed and listened to stories from the people in Handsworth communities, where 170 of the world’s countries are represented.

I sat down with each individual asking questions to get an idea of their roots. I laughed with them and we shared coffee. This opportunity enabled me to look into their lives, into their histories, listen to their hopes and fears and to share a moment at some deeper level.

‘Land of Hope & Glory’ is currently on display at Handsworth Library until 18 March. From there it will join Anna Fields in the Creative Leap Exhibition at The Drum , opening 25 March until 14 April.

Handsworth Library is open Mon/Tues/Sat 9am – 5pm; Thursday 12 noon – 7pm.