Exhibition - Moving Stories - Opening 14th June 2024!
The Birmingham Back to Backs have been telling the stories of working-class housing and people in Birmingham for the last 20 years. Our story ends in the late 60s, when these houses were deemed unfit for human habitation, and residents were moved to tower blocks and council houses across the city. The Moving Stories exhibition shares the next chapter in Birmingham's social housing story.
Together with Artist Jayne Murray from Place Prospectors, this community co-curated exhibition shares the story of residents being rehomed from tower blocks in Druids Heath as part of a regeneration programme; highlighting its emotional, health & social impact.
What's the exhibition about?
The exhibition, Moving Stories, share the story of social housing in Druids Heath and the experiences of those living through it. Expressed in a mixture of visual artwork, contextual photographs and portraits of those who have been involved in the project.
You'll see and hear stories from residents such as Sandra, who moved to the estate in 1966 and has lived there ever since; Sue, who lived there for 41 years and was heartbroken at having to move; Ezekeil, who lived alone in a tower block for over a year, while being desperate to move somewhere with his children; Tamika, who advocated for a fair regeneration and for people to be treated with respect and Jean, who wanted to stay where she knew – to name but a few.
These residents have same mixed feelings felt by the Birmingham Back to Backs residents as they were moved out of back-to-back housing almost 50 years ago.
FAQs
When does the exhibition open?
The exhibition is open from Friday 14th June.
Do I need to have been on a tour to see it?
No, you don’t need to have been on a tour to view the exhibition. It’s free to enter, and you can access the space via our second-hand bookshop on Hurst Street.
Are there any events/talks about the exhibition?
Look out for a full events programme to be announced in June.
I have a story I’d like to share, how can I get involved?
Thank you for offering to share your story. Unfortunately, we can't take any more stories at this point. If you'd like to share your story with Place Prospectors, please visit their website.
This exhibition is supported by The John Feeney Trust.