Simmer Down Arts presents
Women in the Frame
Celebrating Birmingham’s female reggae and urban music pioneers
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund
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A new project
Seen, heard and celebrated
Women in the Frame is a new project celebrating the women from North Birmingham who have helped shape the city’s world-renowned reggae and urban music scene.
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the project shines a light on the performers, organisers, innovators and community leaders whose creativity, commitment and influence have helped bring Birmingham’s culture to the fore.
Led by Simmer Down Arts, Women in the Frame will recognise the female artists, DJs, producers and community figures whose stories deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated more.
This summer, look out for…
An inspiring programme of events, creative sessions and community celebrations designed to:
Recognise and celebrate female pioneers and contributors from our community
Capture and share stories that symbolise our culture in Birmingham
Engage local communities in creative activities
Create a lasting public artwork in Handsworth Park, featuring selected female figures as selected by our community
Inspire future generations of women and girls in music and the arts
A big thank you to the Community Fund
For believing in our vision and supporting Women in the Frame.
Thanks to your support, we will celebrate and amplify the stories of inspirational women from Birmingham—past and present—who have shaped our city’s cultural identity through creativity, resilience and leadership.
Together, we are creating spaces for connection, learning and legacy—empowering the next generation to dream, lead and make their mark.
Bringing people together
Building strong relationships across our community.
Improving places that matter
Creating a mural and celebration that reflects who we are.
Helping more people reach their potential
Inspiring young people, especially young women, to lead and thrive.
Supporting our community
Responding to local needs and building resilience together.
Thank you for investing in our community and our future. Thank you, Community Fund, for standing with us and our community. Your support makes this possible.
Follow our journey @simmerdownarts
Get involved
Be part of Women in the Frame and help celebrate the women who have shaped Birmingham’s music, culture and community life. There are lots of ways to take part:
Join workshops and creative sessions
Take part in creative and storytelling sessions that celebrate women in our community and offer opportunities to learn new skills, share memories and explore Birmingham’s unique musical culture.
- Creative writing or spoken word
- Visual art and design sessions linked to the mural
- Discussions about our cultural heritage in North Birmingham
- Sessions exploring the music and influence of female pioneers in our community
Take part in the mural creation
Help bring the project to life by contributing ideas, taking part in community painting sessions and meeting the artist behind the mural.
- Contribute ideas to the mural design
- Take part in community painting sessions
- Meet the artist and learn about the creative process
Attend celebratory gatherings
Come together with the community to celebrate the stories, music and creativity at the heart of Women in the Frame.
- Sharing sessions and exhibitions
- Mural launch event in Handsworth Park
- Live performances and cultural activities
Want to know more or be part of future events?
Contact info@simmerdownfestival.com to be part of future events, join a workshop or find out what’s coming up next.