Focusing on ideas and imagery of Islamic art, the project demonstrates the use of inspiration, using these shapes, patterns and colours in a contemporary way. The workshops will give you a chance to learn about basic art elements, techniques, materials and tools, such as acrylics, watercolours, collage and mosaics.

If you like the sounds of spending your Saturdays doing artsy things, find out more and book your free place by calling 0121 333 4173

The artists who took part were Mohsen Keiany – an internationally-recognised painter and illustrator; video and film makers Reel Access (George Fleming and Laura Breakwell); Eleanor Hoad – a cultural eco-artist with a keen interest in permaculture and issues of sustainability and storytellers Annamation (Anna Conomos and Susanna Willetts).

Works produced by the artists and local communities include a large scale mosaic based on by Islamic calligraphy, created by family groups in Ladywood; a filming and photography project made by under 5s and their parents showing community perspectives of Hodge Hill; the planting of fruit trees in Erdington High Street town centre arcade and creation of a map of fruit trees in the area – and a story telling project in Perry Barr, which worked with community elders to hear their tales and then helped young people to learn and re-tell them.