Good morning,
Here’s your Sunday read from The Old Post Office (TOPO) coworking space in Stirchley.
We’re sharing our statement following the riots earlier in the week, re-sharing upcoming workshops in case you missed them in last week’s newsletter, and we have the usual playlist and local links.
We also wanted to flag again to coworkers that we’re winding down using the booking platform Coherent so please book through the coworking space’s website next time you’re coming in.
Our accountability sessions will be Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday evening and Friday morning this week.
See you there?— Team TOPO(Kerry, Alice, Rachel, Pendra)
In light of the horrific racist and Islamophobic riots that have been taking place across the UK, including here in Birmingham, we want to offer solidarity with everyone affected - and to acknowledge that the fear hasn’t gone away for many people.
We have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination. We ask all coworkers to respect all members of the community, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion, as well as gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual identity, disability, physical appearance and body size. We acknowledge and value differences.
We take all reports of inappropriate behaviour seriously. If you ever feel uncomfortable in the space, please let the keyholder on duty know, or email us and we will address your concerns with sensitivity. In addition, if you are booked into the coworking space, and feel unsafe travelling or uneasy for any reason, we can rearrange/reschedule/refund your booking, no need to explain.
What we’re doing as an organisation - we are constantly learning and listening, and updating our internal policies and processes. We’re finding Hope Not Hate community resources helpful both as an organisation and more generally. We’re also talking openly about how we can do better, and taking relevant action.
The coworking space is a community not just a building, and we will strive to ensure we are inclusive, welcoming and a safe space.
Join Maisie at the coworking space on Wednesday 21 and/or Friday 23 August, where you’ll spend an evening unleashing your creativity by designing and creating your very own upcycled homeware. Not only will you be taking home your makes - you’ll also be treated to nibbles and a chilled glass of fizz on the night. Come on your own, or bring friends - you’ll have a blast.
Kitsch Coaster Workshop - Wednesday 21 August, 7-9pmCreate a set of bespoke coasters to take home, using collage and photo transfer techniques. Includes fizz & nibbles and all materials. £30ppTickets
Upcycled Homeware - Friday 23 August, 7-9pmCreate your own unique upcycled Homeware using image transfers and thrifted second hand items. Turn one persons trash into decor treasure! Includes fizz & nibbles and all materials. £30ppTickets
This does mean there’s no evening coworking session on Weds 21 Aug - take a night off and take part in the workshop instead.
Music to work to
As we continue to re-share previous playlists from our Music to work to series, we’re sharing Andrea’s. Andrea is a B30-based chartered communications professional - and has exceptionally good music taste. Here’s a link to Andrea’s playlist.
You are likely to find Andrea (& Kerry) at Supersonic Festival in a few weeks.
Stories Unite
We’re highlighting a local film project Stories Unite and related gazebo cinema screenings.
Stories Unite is a project bringing together neighbours, from different cultures and ethnicities, to chat about their personal stories of moving to and living in the area of Kings Heath and Brandwood. The project is delivered by Our Scene CIC in partnership with volunteer-led group Kings Heath United Against Racism.
The short film itself is commissioned by Rajab Mahmood (known as RJ) and his film production company Local Arts Blueprint CIC, Stories Unite tells the stories of the local community.
Join Our Scene CIC across the KH neighbourhood for pop-up gazebo cinema screenings including today at 7pm on the driveway at 29 Reeves Road B14 6SG (11th August), there are also screenings on the 12th, 14th and 17th across different venues, including on the fringes of Stirchley (Hazelwell Hub on the 14th at 1pm).
More information on Our Scene’s website.
Local links
Overlap is an event for animators and animation lovers to show work, share ideas and hang out - the next event is Friday 16 August at 7pm, at Nortons Digbeth. More information on the Overlap website.
Birmingham Society of Botanical Artists meet at Stirchley Baths on a monthly basis. Their next meet for members is Sunday 18 August, there’s information about how to join, and non-member events, on their website.
Save Birmingham have constituted themselves as an organisation - you can become a member so the group can submit Asset of Community Value applications on behalf of residents that don't have an official group in place. Read more about Save Birmingham, nominate your local assets, and sign up online.
The Civil Courage practical guide gives insight into the key principles that inform The Gap’s bystander intervention workshops, and practical guidance on how to intervene safely. (Coworker Katy dropped a leaflet for this into the coworking space last week, thank you)
Bournville-based artist Roo Dhissou has a crowdfunder, the artist is launching Jalebi Press with her first ever publication published by Primary, featuring essays, artworks, recipes and interviews with British Asian women and non-binary artists. You can back the Crowdfunder online.
Community coworking space in Stirchley
1533 Pershore Road, Stirchley, South Birmingham B30 2JHMonday to Friday 9am-5pm, and Wednesday evenings 6pm-9.30pmIf you'd like to come and cowork you can book your desk via this link.