WOMEN IN THE FRAME

Celebrating Birmingham’s female reggae and urban music pioneers

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

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:

Nominate a Birmingham music hero

Who should we celebrate?

Help shape a lasting public artwork and exhibition by nominating a woman from Birmingham whose contribution to our music, culture or community life deserves recognition.

You can nominate:

  • Artists, DJs, producers or performers
  • Promoters, organisers or venue owners
  • Community leaders connected to music, such as Choir Leaders
  • Any woman who has helped you realise your creativity

How to nominate:

  • Submit a name with a short description of their contribution
  • Share any stories, memories or materials (photos, flyers, recordings if available)

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 get involved? Contact Alex Williams alex@simmerdownarts.com to nominate a Birmingham music hero, join a workshop or find out what’s coming up next.