To celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, The New Art Gallery Walsall will host a day of stories, activities and performances showcasing South Asian culture, history and community.

Taking place on Saturday 29 July from 11am-3pm, the free event has something for all the family and is open to all.

For those looking to get creative, artist Nilupa Yasmin will be holding a mandala weaving workshop, artist Daya Bhatti will be creating rangoli with colourful sand and there will be an opportunity to contribute to a large fabric map of South Asia.

This year’s official theme is ‘Stories to Tell’, and the Gallery will be full of people sharing their stories, history and heritage - stories of immigration and living in the Black Country will be shared by local Sikh, Hindu and Muslim community members as well as a chance to view archive video footage and photographs from local Hindu temple Mandir Baba Balak Nath.

Gallery Assistant Kiran will tell captivating stories of Hindu goddess Parvati, presented alongside the Gallery's sculpture of her. There will be an opportunity to meet Wolverhampton author James Davison and pick up a copy of his first book ‘Mindy’s Journey’. Featuring eye-catching illustrations, it tells the tale of a little girl who received bad news, but finds a way out of a dark place by befriending a star.  

Drawing from his extensive music collection, broadcaster and DJ Manpreet Darroch will add ambience to the day with Bhangra, Bollywood, World and experimental beats.

There will also be an opportunity to buy authentic South Asian instruments, clothing, art, crafts and gifts from local makers, and hear from a series of local community organisations and charities.

The Community Day is one of many events across the summer holidays to help keep children and families entertained. Inspired by their current exhibitions, their summer programme will include making plaster cast hanging sculptures, creating origami bugs and bumblebees, offer the opportunity to paint with acrylics and oil pastels, sculpt with papier-mâché, contribute to a collaborative artwork and much more. Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces said:

“South Asian Heritage Month seeks to celebrate the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.

“With this event The New Art Gallery Walsall continue to ensure that their programming is inclusive of the people who make up the Borough and the wider region. It truly is a world-class Gallery with a local heart.”

The full day’s programme can be found at thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk.