Heard... and Not Seen (HANS) is an exhibition by artists Sandra Hall and Mitra Memarzia, in collaboration with Friction Arts. The exhibition is the culmination of work created by the artists in response to workshops and community engagement. HANS consists of an installation, a series of sculptures containing audio recordings, photography and projections reflecting the wealth of material gathered. The project has created a unique, safe, engaging environment for people to meet and ask questions; particularly about faith, religion and spirituality.

As a result of workshops with community groups we have found that there is a clear need for people to discuss, express and enquire on issues of faith, aspects of daily Muslim life in response to stigma and misunderstanding. For BMAG the exhibition will be supported by a series of facilitated discussions available for individuals and community groups, creating a safe space for this dialogue and these questions.

HANS will be installed Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery from the Monday 12^th July- Sunday 22^nd August 2010

Throughout the exhibition at the Museum we will be running facilitated discussions with the lead artists. These sessions will be happening between 11.30am and 12.30pm on Wednesdays in gallery 33. The maximum group size is ten. We want these discussions to be open and honest, appreciative enquiries. There are very few forums for small groups of people to meet and ask questions about otherness. We anticipate groups of Islamic and non-Islamic faith to meet, discuss and respectably ask key questions of each other, in these charged times.

Sessions available:

Wed 14^th July

Wed 21^st July (women’s only session)

Wed 28^th July

Wed 4^th August (women’s only session)

Wed 11^th August

Wed 18^th August

If you’d like to book a facilitated discussion, please email zara@frictionarts.com visit www.heardandnotseen.com

or call us on 0121 224 7308 and we’ll get right back to you.

So if you are part of a community group or an individual interested in joining a group discussion, we’d like to hear from you. If Wednesdays are not suitable please let us know and we will endeavour to arrange a more convenient session.

These sessions are free and refreshments will be provided.

FRICTION ARTS

0121 772 6160 / 07970 221 708

The Edge, 79-81 Cheapside, Birmingham, B12 0QH

www.frictionarts.com