Birmingham Media Archive Project: The First Decade (BMAP)

Paid Training Opportunity | March–May 2026

Whose stories get remembered?
Whose voices get archived?

Vivid Projects is offering paid training sessions exploring Birmingham’s screen history — with a focus on marginalised and underrepresented voices. Running from late March to May,  our facilitators will support you to explore an archive of 1980s-90s Birmingham. Our collection of videos document histories of women’s rights, young people’s experiences, de-industrialisation and employment, community activism, equality and the changing city. If you have a story to tell or are just curious about the history of your city, this is an opportunity to gain archival skills and add your own stories to the mix. You’ll see films, and photos, and listen to recordings from the people who were there — just like you or someone you know.

BMAP is supported by the BFI Screen Heritage Fund, awarding funds from the National Lottery, and delivered in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust. Together, we’re uncovering film and video made in Birmingham from the 1980s all the way to the 2000s — much of it created by working-class communities, activists, and local creatives.

Who is this for?

This opportunity is especially for people who:

• Care about Birmingham’s stories and local history
• Are curious about archives but haven’t had access to formal training
• Want to develop creative or cultural skills
• Come from communities that are underrepresented in film, media, or heritage

You don’t need experience in archives or film. You don’t need a degree. You just need interest and commitment.

If you’ve ever thought “people like me don’t work in museums or archives”, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll do

• Explore rare Birmingham-made films and videos
• Learn basic archive and digitisation skills
  Work with community members to shape public screenings

Training sessions will take place in welcoming, accessible community spaces including:

• The GAP (Balsall Heath)
• Friends of the Earth Community Building (Digbeth)

Support

Participants will receive a £50 bursary per session, with travel and access support available. We are committed to removing financial and practical barriers to taking part in this opportunity.

Be part of reshaping how Birmingham’s media history is told, and who gets to tell it.

Apply now. Your perspective matters.