ARTS AND COMMUNITY
Over the last 3 years we have dedicated ourselves to the artistic programme at the Legacy Centre of Excellence. We are committed to arts and community and thus have immersed ourselves in the creative culture of Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Join us for an immersive art exhibition that truly brings visual creativity to life. Three talented visual artists will unveil exclusive new collections—each featuring five unique pieces—which will remain on display at the Legacy Centre of Excellence for 30 days following the showcase. On the night, expect more than just an exhibition.

Step into an unforgettable night of music, culture, and connection at Legacy Live Lounge. Hosted by Melzy J
Expect an evening of raw talent, powerful performances, and industry insight. This isn’t just a showcase—it’s where tomorrow’s stars are discovered.
Profession by Some Honey │ T Roadz│ shardae│ isaac paris Live Feedback Panel – gain real-time advice from some of the UK’s most respected voices in music:
Wizdom – MOBO Unsung winner bringing authentic artistry and sharp critique, Despa Robinson – Founder of BE83 Music Group, shaping the sound of Birmingham and beyond, Tony Biggz – Renowned artist & producer with an ear for future hits

Join renowned artist and designer Carleen De Sözer for an inspiring, hands-on workshop exploring upcycling, creativity, and sustainability under the theme Heal the World. In this session, you’ll learn how to transform everyday items into unique, stylish, and meaningful pieces using printing and design techniques. You’re welcome to bring your own items to customise—such as shoes, t-shirts, or bags—and Carleen will also provide a range of materials for you to work with. Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply curious about sustainable creativity, this workshop will give you the skills and inspiration to create something truly one-of-
a-kind.
Step into the colourful, rebellious world of street art with Bunny Bread, a celebrated graffiti artist known for his bold, expressive style. This three-day immersive workshop will take you from the roots of graffiti to creating your own showcase piece.

Newtown stories follows the journey of Amelia as she sleep walks into different eras of Newtown, Aston. Accidentally discovering the wealth of the history of our local land marks, where stars of the past and future collide.

Month Launch
unforgettable launch celebration filled with culture, live performances, and inspiration. This one-of-a-kind evening brings together music, spoken word, and art in a vibrant atmosphere that honours Black creativity and excellence.

Step into the vibrant world of Rhode Bath-Schéba Makoumbou, the celebrated painter and sculptor from Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
Born into art and mentored by her father, painter David Makoumbou, Rhode has been shaping the African contemporary art scene since 1989. Her unique style — combining realism with cubism — brings everyday rural life to the canvas and celebrates the resilience, strength, and beauty of African women.

Step into the spirit of the Roots Festival with an unforgettable launch celebration filled with culture, rhythm, and inspiration. This vibrant evening weaves together live music, powerful spoken word, and captivating art, creating a space that honours Black creativity, excellence, and heritage. More than just a show, the launch marks the beginning of a journey through history, identity, and expression—celebrating the roots that ground us and the future we continue to shape.
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Welcome to Legacy Live Lounge! Join us for a day filled with live music, good vibes, and great company. Get ready to groove to the beats of talented local artists and bands. Whether you're a music enthusiast or just looking for a fun time, this event is perfect for you!

Fashion Invasion is West Midland’s most prestigious fashion event currently hosted at Birmingham’s Business and Arts Centre, The Legacy Centre of Excellence. Fashion Invasion is not merely a platform; but a revolutionary force in the fashion world. Established with the vision of redefining conventional notions of style, our showcase is an avant-garde haven for those who dare to challenge the status quo. We are the intersection of culture, creativity, and industry, where edginess meets precision, a movement redefining the very essence of style where we believe in pushing boundaries, breaking molds, and transforming runways into canvases of artistic expression.

Youth Theatre Production
This is a great opportunity for young people in Newtown and the surrounding areas to learn approaches to theatre as well as building interpersonal skills which will help them in preparation for college and job interviews.

A day filled with exciting panels, and networking opportunities with industry professionals. Whether you're an aspiring artist, producer, or music enthusiast, this event is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of music. Up and coming artists will get the chance to feature in our feedback session and perform live Infront of the panel. In the evening you will also get to experience first hand a collaboration that has never been done before where the infamous CBSO playing alongside Birmingham's homegrown artist LA LA (formerly known as Miss La Familia)will be giving you an exclusive performance. You will not be disappointed with the sweet voices of supporting artists such as Lady Makavelli, Lo Williams and Sacha Noble.

Costume Headpiece Creative Workshop
This workshop will be led by Nor Aziz, a passionate creative practitioner who is dedicated to using arts and heritage to make a positive impact in the community.In this workshop, you will design headpieces that represent the Agents of Change—the active citizens, community champions, and heroes who make selfless contributions to improve the lives of those around them.

Newtown Digital Skills Bootcamps and get empowered with essential digital skills! Whether you're a newbie or looking to enhance your online capabilities, these sessions are perfect for you.

Community
Friends Leyla and Zoya are polar opposites. Zoya is pampered, indulged and lacking purpose, and Leyla is hardworking, dependable and dedicates her time to helping others. Zoya has lived a privileged (spoilt!) life in a nice part of town, whereas Leyla lives on the other side of town with her housemate Khalil, a refugee from Syria.
Set in the heart of Birmingham, Community is a coming-of-age comedy drama exploring identity and belonging, and friendship.

for a night of beautiful music and harmonious melodies. The Sandra Cross Choir is known for their soulful performances and captivating vocals, guaranteed to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening filled with joy and music.
2024

Handsworth Groove Syndicate Photo Exhibition
A photographic exhibition by Rob ‘Radix’ Bailey, focusing on the Handsworth Groove Syndicate sound system, and the growth of hip hop in the second city. Free Entry.
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Twine
What big event shaped your family tree? Immerse yourself in internationally-acclaimed Selina Thomson’s powerful, folkloric tale that explores adoption’s complex legacy.
Part of Fierce Festival, Twine is filled with raw emotion and original music. It’s all about love, loneliness, and how one moment can shape multiple family trees.
Last chance to catch Twine at the Legacy Centre on 16-19 October. Book your tickets: wearefierce.org/twine

Legacy Live Lounge
Embark on a sonic journey into 2024 with our Legacy Live Lounge – a vibrant showcase of the West Midlands' unheard talent! Venture into the heart of Birmingham's music scene for a night filled with stellar performances from the region's most promising artists. This event is a celebration of raw talent, showcasing diverse sounds and the energetic pulse of the local music scene.

Zenith Exhibition Launch
The ZENITH EXHIBITION provides a rare opportunity to meet the featured artist face-to-face. Engage in meaningful discussions about the artworks on display, share your perspectives, or ask questions. The artist values connecting with the audience and welcomes open dialogue. Prepare yourself for an evening that promises not just a viewing of art, but a celebration of creativity and innovation. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience. We eagerly anticipate your presence!

Zenith Newtown Youth Arts Festival
Join us for an electrifying culmination of the Zenith Festival with a grand Closing Celebration that shines a spotlight on the vibrant talents of our local youth.
This finale is not just an event but a showcase of dynamic artistry and mesmerizing dance performances, all set against a backdrop of incredible vibes that you won't want to miss.

Roots Festival Concert
Step into the rhythmic heart of the Roots Festival this October 12th, as we celebrate the vibrant spirit of reggae! Embark on a soul-stirring journey through the pulsating beats and smooth melodies that define this beloved genre. Our stage will light up with the fiery passion of reggae music, promising an evening where the air is thick with harmony, unity, and the irresistible urge to dance.

Roots Festival Film Screening Event
Celebrate the Soundtrack of a Generation at the Roots FestivalJoin us for an unforgettable screening event at the Roots Festival, featuring an award-winning documentary that explores the iconic era of British reggae music and its profound impact on a generation. This captivating film brings together a stellar lineup of hitmakers and comedians to share their insights and experiences, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound and storytelling.

Music Industry Day
Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, attend workshops and panel discussions, and gain insights into the inner workings of the music world. Discover the latest trends, tips, and tricks from experts who have made their mark in the industry. From song writing and production to marketing and promotion, you'll find a wealth of knowledge to fuel your musical journey.
This Kind of Black
In "This Kind of Black," Reece Williams paints a vivid picture of a community bound by the threads of prayers, warmth, and an indomitable spirit of humor amidst adversity. The show delves deep into the joys and sorrows of growing up in an area synonymous with the stigmas of 'Gunchester,' gangs, and poverty, challenging these stereotypes by showcasing the rich tapestry of community life. It's a narrative that celebrates the resilience and unity of the people, even as it mourns the untimely loss of its young souls.
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BLACK TOP with Xhosa Soundscapes for Free Radicals a Jam Session
Dive into the heart of improvisation and innovation at the Legacy Centre of Excellence on May 10th, for an unforgettable night of live jazz that promises to expand your perceptions of musical boundaries. Join the illustrious ensemble Black Top, featuring the iconic Pat Thomas and Orphy Robinson, as they collaborate with the sensational special guest, Xhosa Cole, for an evening of unfettered improvisational exploration.

Artist Spotlight!
Exhibitions is the first showcase of young visual artists at the Legacy Centre of Excellence. This is a celebration of some the up and coming talent in Birmingham and the work in this exhibition was chosen because each of the artists produce work as part of their repertoire with each one created in a different painting styles
As we have grown and established ourselves within the arts and the community, we have had the honour of hosting a variety world class local and international artist. These include the likes of musicians Johnny Osbourne and WSTRN; comedians Gina Yashere and Babatunde Aleshe; and photographer Vanley Burke to name a few.
Some of our major arts and community events have included the Black British Book Festival, Zenith Festival (a yearly immersive arts exhibition) and Fashion Invasion. Currently our Legacy Live Lounge events are gaining popularity. This is an event where we showcase local musicians, and where like-minded individuals can come together and enjoy live music whilst supporting their local favourites.
We are also 1 of 9 organisations to receive funding from the Birmingham City Council Portfolio, for our arts and cultural programme. This has enabled us to expand on our artistic programme and incorporate more ideas from the community about what the art programme should look like. link to 2023 artistic programme
The Legacy Centre of Excellence is passionate about artistic expression, if you are interested in getting involved in any of our artistic programmes email info@legacycoe.co.uk to find out more.





