Pass It Down

Vivid Projects and BRIG Café present a pop-up exhibition, get hands-on with vintage video technology, and discover personal stories that offer a fascinating glimpse into everyday Birmingham life across generations.

From 17-19 September In the Project Space, experience What I’ll Remember Most About You Nan, a moving audio installation by Birmingham poet and artist Nafeesa. Using recordings from their family archive, the work reflects on memory, family and belonging as part of a wider project Wife of Brum – a celebration of Birmingham’s working-class communities and the city’s changing identity through the lens of personal experience.

On 19 September join us for workshops and talks in BRIG Cafe. From 12–4pm, artist Antonio Roberts invites visitors to create their own Birmingham video postcard using authentic 1990s video equipment. Film yourself against a backdrop of iconic city landmarks – past, present and under threat – and take home a unique digital keepsake. No experience is needed; simply drop in and have a go.

From 4–6pm, join Pass It Down, exploring the stories hidden in family VHS collections and home movies. The 80s saw a shift from broadcast studios to home videotaping, putting our stories in the hands of the community. So how can we relate to the boxes filled with VHS tapes in our families’ and neighbours’ attics now? Denise Amory-Reid shares treasured footage filmed across Birmingham by her late father, Big G, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life across generations.

The Birmingham Media Archive Project team will join Denise in a conversation exploring the histories we can build on together, and uncovering why preserving personal archives is an important part of reclaiming heritage.