sampad launch their residency at The Barber Institute on 16 February, with a free performance of Dancing About Sculpture at 1.10pm.

In the first of a series of performances and discussions, Devika Rao will present a unique and free performance, responding to key pieces of work from the Barber’s collection of European sculpture, encompassing everything from classical marbles to bronzes by Degas and Rodin.

‘Four artists from sampad, with the artistic direction of Piali Ray, will be in residency between February and June 2011. My opening performance, through sequences of movement and poses, will complement the sculptural works of art contained within the exhibition Carved, Cast and Modelled. The residency will be able to make creative connections between ancient Indian myths, legendary epics and stories and the mythical characters of the Barber collection.’

– Devika Rao

For more information on the residency, take a look at sampad’s website.

THE SoURCE are hosting their eco gift fair at Moseley Exchange tomorrow from 10am – 4pm. Entry is free and they’ll also have a cafe area and home baked cakes, see the full list of stallholders on their blog.

The Barber Institute‘s Christmas Craft Fair is next weekend, 4 December from 11am – 4pm. Along with the usual array of gifts and artwork, they’ll also be holding a free family crafts workshop, making cards and decorations, plus Christmas storytelling throughout the day.

Light House are holding their renowned Festive Flair on 11 December from 11am – 4pm. Take a look round the selection of local talent selling their work and gifts, with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Entrance to this is also free.

Also in association with Festive Flair on the same day, is the Queen Vic Designer Maker Festive Fair at Wolverhampton Arts Gallery. Kids will have the chance to meet Santa, plus there’s storytelling, free family craft activities and a local choir performance throughout the day.

Birmingham Early Music Festival: The Poet Sings is taking place from 29 October – 18 November, with a string of musical events happening at various venues.

Friday 29 October, 7.30 pm at St Augustine’s Church, Edgbaston
White Raven: Songs of Love and Death

Associated Event – Admission Free
Friday 5 November, 1.10 pm at The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
duo Trobairitz: Faye Newton soprano, Hazel Brookes vielle

Thursday 11 November, 7.30 pm at Birmingham & Midland Institute
John Potter & Ariel Abramovich: A Musicall Banquet

Sunday 14 November, 3 pm at The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Le Basile: Finding Chaucer’s Voice

Wednesday 17 November, 7.30 pm at The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
Susanne Rydén and Mark Tatlow: The Way of Angels

Tickets cost £12 / Concessions £6 / Students £3 and can be bought online, in person at The Barber Institute, or by calling them on 0121 414 7333