Panjabi Tales of Willenhall Panjabi tales of Willenhall, a striking photographic exhibition curated by Mohammed Ali MBE of Soul City Arts. It was initiated by Sucha Mela, namely Manpreet Darroch, Ramitirth Uppal and Genesis media with photography by Safwan Chowdhury of Soul City Arts. This project shines a spotlight on the remarkable stories of the…
Eid In Kings Heath 2024 Eid In Kings Heath 2023 Eid in Kings Heath is our annual Eid event, returning for a spectacular second year, we transformed All Saints Square into a vibrant celebration. “Our city lacks spaces for us to gather and connect with other communities,” said Mohammed, renowned for his 2021 ‘I Can’t…
We at Soul City Arts wanted to work some magic. Opening a portal, a window into the lives of others. As if distance was no object. Working with our US collaborator Asad Ali Jafri (Space Shift Collective), Mohammed Ali (Soul City Arts) and James Hodkinson (Warwick University), we brought together two communities that might have…
Birmingham street-artist and curator Mohammed Ali tells the story of the city, celebrating the graft that is embedded in its DNA. Ali says, ‘Birmingham is no Paris, Tokyo or Milan, it is gritty, but it has soul and that’s how we like it’. Digital visuals are presented alongside performances from celebrated storyteller and author Polarbear…
Soul City Arts’ warehouse space is multifunctional; from hosting school students, film crews to immersive dining events and workshops. Our Port Hope warehouse is a 4000 sqft industrial space in the heart of Sparkbrook that has been described as an ‘Oasis of Creativity’. We recently reimagined the space by transforming it into a unique cinema…
Hip hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, and in 2024, breakdancing – officially named ‘breaking’ – will be at the Olympics for the first time at the Summer Games in Paris. To mark this moment, Bboy Bobak Champion is brought Birmingham-based Muslim young men together to develop their breaking skills and showcase their skills. Salaam ‘O’…
As part of the University of Birmingham’s Culture Forward initiative, Soul City Arts created an installation entitled ‘NOMAD’ for Festival ’23. The event took place on Thursday 3rd August 2023 from 11-4pm at the Exchange Building in Birmingham, Artistic Director Mohammed Ali brought a specially made ‘nomadic reflection booth’ for the public to step inside…
Thousands turn out for #EidinKingsHeath ‘Eid in Kings Heath’ was an unprecedented celebration event for everyone of all faiths and backgrounds. Thousands joined throughout the day to join in with the Islamic festival of Eid that took place at All Saints Square on Sunday 2nd July 2023 between 12pm-6pm. Neighbours and residents gathered to experienced…
On Tuesday 30 May 2023 on Hwyl Stage at the Hay Festival performers and directors from two ground-breaking acclaimed productions, Peaceophobia and Waswasa – which explore faith, systemic racism and the lived experience of young Muslim men in Bradford and Birmingham – discussed why the arts are so secular and if audiences are scared of…
Millions of Muslims around the world begin fasting as the holy month of Ramadan starts. During this time, the spirit of community and togetherness is at the core of every Iftar, the opening of the fast, bringing blessings. In this spirit, Soul City Arts invited people from all communities whether they fast or not, to…