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.

The project, by Charis McNelvin, opens today, and explores well being and mental health through a site specific installation featuring found objects, illustrations and moving image.

Charis, together with Hybrid, will be conducting open workshops on 14 and 15 December, creating new work from 10am-3pm with visitors.

The ‘As we dream’ installation will be open Mon – Fri, 10am – 3pm until 16 December. For more information, email charis_mc@hotmail.com

Some of you may already be aware of Inhabit and their temporary, traveling tea shops. They held a small shop in Ladywood for ten weeks, but have since moved on to their next venture in Handsworth, which is due to open on 9 November.

The new shop will be located at 27 Grove Lane, and will have a string of free creative participatory events and the opportunity to work with commissioned artists on their projects set in the local community.

They’ll also be inviting local residents to drop by for tea and cake. Informal drop-in sessions will be held weekly on Tuesdays 11am – 2pm and Fridays 2pm – 6pm.

Look out for more info on Inhabit, as they’ll be setting up camp in other key wards around the city, along with the Pavillions towards the end of November.

For more information on the project, email Karen Meng or call 0121 236 1669

The Creative Future blog highlighted this event happening on 31 October. Real Talk are hosting a Black History Month Sale at Oakland Young People’s Centre in Handsworth.

For more information, contact Craig Pinkney on 07973728465