Arts | Legacy West Midlands

Arts

Championing artistic talent in the West Midlands, commissioning artworks and creating opportunities for creative community engagement.

Projects

BADA - Bangladeshi Artist Development Agency

Arts

Conceived in January 2023, BADA is the result of a collaborative effort between Legacy West Midlands, local Bangladeshi artists, cultural organisations, and partners.…

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Cultural Action Area

Arts

As part of Birmingham’s new Cultural Action Area (CAA). We’re thrilled to share that we’ve been awarded funding by Birmingham City Council to develop a Cultural Action…

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Journeys

Arts

Journeys is a vibrant initiative designed to bring together groups from diverse communities, celebrating our shared cultural heritage. This exciting project aims to…

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Migrant Music Festival

Arts

Migrant Music Festival was a spectacular showcase of migrant talent and the first of its kind in the city. Held at Soho House Museum on 24th September 2016, the…

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MX60: Life, Legacy and Lessons

Arts

In February 1965, Malcolm X visited Selma, Alabama, supporting Martin Luther King’s civil rights campaign against segregation. Seventeen days later, he was assassinated…

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Nowka Bais

Arts

We have supported Community Connect Foundation (CCF) with hosting the nowka Bais in Birmingham. We built on the success of the previous year by offering rowing taster…

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Roundhouse To Chance Glassworks Arts Trail

Arts

Art along the canal is important from and by communities because it validates and reflects the people who live in that area. I was one of the artists that painted the…

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Waterways Project

Arts

Aftab traveled to Bangladesh in February 2019 for a research, development and photography project, looking at the waterways in Bangladesh. The aim was to explore…

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Events

Bangla Month Opening Night: Live with Mumzy Stranger

Fri, 31 Oct 2025, 18:30 - 20:30

Kick off Bangla Month with an exceptional live performance from Mumzy Stranger, one of the UK’s most recognised British Bangladeshi artists, known for his work as a…

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Exhibition: Folklore of Bengal

Mon, 3 Nov 2025, 10:00 - Sun, 30 Nov 2025, 17:00

The Folklore of Bengal exhibition will present the intrinsic beauty and symbolism of folk culture in a renewed light. This exhibition will not merely reconstruct…

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Bangla Month presents Comedy with SMASHBengali

Fri, 14 Nov 2025, 19:30 - 21:30

Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs with the Bangla Month Comedy Night, live at The Rep!Hosted by the charismatic Hashu, better known as “SMASHBengali…

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Exhibition: Khola Patta Ceramics by Ayesha Bibi

Wed, 19 Nov 2025, 10:00 - Thu, 27 Nov 2025, 20:00

Ayesha’s work in ceramics and printmaking explores cultural identity, memory, and belonging. Drawing on their Bangladeshi heritage to create pieces that speak to…

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Exhibition: The Wall Mrs. By Makbul Chowdhury

Wed, 19 Nov 2025, 10:00 - Thu, 27 Nov 2025, 20:00

This immersive art installation, titled The Wall: Mrs. (Where Her Story Lives), is a tribute to the unyielding spirit, compassion, and quiet heroism of the women of…

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Poetry after Chai

Sat, 22 Nov 2025, 18:30 - 20:30

Experience an unforgettable evening at Poetry After Chai, an immersive celebration of poetry and storytelling at Midlands Art Centre. This event transforms MAC into a…

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News

Celebrating Creativity: Winners of the Creative Commissions 2025

News - Arts

18/08/2025 - 19:12

Legacy West Midlands is delighted to share exciting news that marks a milestone for Birmingham’s cultural landscape.As part of Birmingham’s new Cultural Action Area (…

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A Colourful New Year: BADA Celebrates Pohela Boishakh

News - Arts

15/04/2025 - 16:01

The Bangladeshi Artist Development Agency (BADA) made an unforgettable debut with its first-ever Pohela Boishakh celebration, drawing hundreds of people to the grounds…

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Join Us for a Colourful Celebration of Pohela Boishakh!

News - Arts

26/03/2025 - 15:32

BADA (Bangladeshi Artist Development Agency) is thrilled to invite you to a spectacular celebration of Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year! This lively event will…

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MX60: Life, Legacy and Lessons

News - Arts

01/02/2025 - 12:46

A major new public artwork celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Malcolm X visit to Smethwick, West Midlands is to be unveiled at the Ivy Bush Bar & Grill Wednesday…

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Tender Opportunity

News - Arts

05/12/2024 - 14:23

We are seeking an experienced AR provider to help us deliver an ambitious public art project. See details attached below for this tender opportunity.

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Bangla Week 2024

News - Arts

04/09/2024 - 10:12

A Celebration of Creative Arts in BirminghamBADA (Bangladeshi Artist Development Agency) is thrilled to announce Bangla Week 2024, an arts and cultural festival…

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Testimonials

Clover HR are genuinely pleased to be able to support the work done by Legacy WM. We have been involved with Aftab and his Team for several years and know their tireless efforts directly and positively affect peoples lives everyday.

Michael Doolin, Chief Executive Officer for Clover HR
My experience volunteering has been nothing short of inspiring - local artists, and community leaders, has encouraged me to dig deeper into the socio-political histories of Birmingham. Working alongside staff has been a grounding experience for me. I feel more capable to engage with the world critically, consciously, and optimistically.

Canaan, Arts Intern
I had the best time on this trip! I had the amazing opportunity to learn and grow in many different ways, as well as meet some wonderful people along the way for the first time. Thank you.

Hana , Freedom50 Cyclist
I've been volunteering at Legacy WM and just wanted to say a huge thank you to the team here. They've all been amazing and supported my journey throughout. I've really learned a lot and there's a lot I will take with me in terms of for my future and my personal development.

Isha, Community Champion
Your coaches are doing a tremendous job with our children. Not only are you training them to become great badminton players, but you are also teaching them great discipline and behaviour, making them understand the importance of healthy competition as well as developing a strong passion for the game.

Kids Badminton Attendee, Parent
Volunteering for Legacy WM has been an incredible experience. The respectful and friendly environment of Legacy WM allows you to flourish in what you do best. Working in marketing has not only made me more confident in my skills but awakened a new passion for it as I can use it to help people and even give back to my community. Legacy WM ensures that I and everyone else like me, are proud of our cultures and continue to be.

Ikra, Community Champion
I find it really good and it’s boosted my confidence. Meeting new people is really nervous for me. The group has boosted my confidence in playing with others I’ve never met before in life…they’re really kind, they’re really funny and they inspire me to keep going… My game has progressed. I’m good at serving, hitting, smashing and everything. So I’m very thankful for the coaches helping inspire me to play… It helps me as well with my mental wellbeing as well.

Hamzah, Badminton Attendee
Walks around the park are relaxing. I like taking in nature and experiencing nature, whilst having great conversations with local residents. These walks have improved my life and have enabled me to continue with my passion for movement. I am now walking most mornings as a result of my role as a walk leader for Legacy WM.

Madge, Walk Leader - Every Step Matters
Riding with the Freedom50 group is amazing, its great company, mostly enjoyable (when it’s not too hilly, but hey, that’s where the best memories are made and where you get the best laughs!). It’s a brilliant way to stay fit, and coupled with charity rides, a great way to raise money for a needy cause.

Kois, Freedom50 Cyclist
During my time as a community champion I have participated in the Mason mile as well as holiday play schemes. I also had the honour of partaking in the Freedom50 exhibition, which opened my eyes to the true beauty of my culture. It has not only boosted my confidence, but it has also allowed me to feel more connected to the community around me.

Zara, Community Champion
I’m delighted to be joining Legacy WM board of trustees both to support the development of a brilliant grass roots organisation in our city, and to connect The Rep with more local communities and learn how we can better serve them through our work as a major city institution.

Rachael Thomas, Executive Director at Birmingham Rep and Trustee Member
Freedom50 charity bike ride in Bangladesh was one the greatest moments of my life, which I will cherish for as long I live.

Nasir, Freedom50 Cyclist

Diversity and Legacy

Legacy WM is committed to creating a diverse environment reflecting the communities in which we work. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer where all job applicants will be considered for employment irrespective of our differences.

The values and beliefs at Legacy WM enable our employees to bring their full self to work, develop their potential and engage in a world full of inclusion.