Carers’ Voices Take Centre Stage at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery This August
Forward Carers is proud to unveil its Carers Voice Exhibition at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG), launching with a special VIP event on 5th August 2025 and running throughout the month in the Industrial Gallery as part of the museum’s powerful Made in Birmingham display.
This poignant exhibition brings the stories of unpaid Carers to the forefront through art, poetry, and powerful storytelling. Each piece has been created by Carers themselves—individuals who provide vital, unpaid care for someone who would struggle to cope without their support due to disability, illness, mental health needs, addiction or frailty.
The VIP launch event will open with a live performance by Birmingham Opera, setting the tone for an emotional and inspiring afternoon. Guests will then hear directly from some of the Carers who have bravely shared their stories, now published in a newly released book created in collaboration with Barefoot Yoga Birmingham and supported by Big White Shed. The book will be available to purchase from the museum shop throughout August.
The exhibition will feature:
- Original artwork and poetry created by Carers
- Short videos capturing the lived experiences shared in the book
- A space for visitors to reflect on the realities of caring and the strength it takes to support loved ones
“We are incredibly proud to close our 10-year anniversary celebrations with this iconic event, truly placing Carers at the heart of our community,” said Chantell Marler, Programme Director at Forward Carers. “This exhibition honours the voices of Carers and ensures they are seen, heard, and valued.”
The exhibition is the culmination of a deeply collaborative creative journey supported by Barefoot Yoga Birmingham and Unravelled Mind Studio, who provided safe spaces for Carers to process, explore, and share their stories. This work has been made possible through funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, as part of our Carer Friendly Communities programme.
Visitors to the exhibition who may recognise themselves as Carers—or who want to find out more—can speak to the Forward Carers team and representatives from Birmingham Carers Hub on the following dates:
6th, 14th, 22nd, 28th and 29th August.
Location:
Industrial Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH
Part of the Made in Birmingham exhibition – a bold and evolving display celebrating the people, identity, and spirit of the city.
About Forward Carers
Forward Carers CIC is a not-for-profit organisation working to create Carer Friendly Communities. We deliver a wide range of support including Carer assessments, wellbeing programmes, emergency planning, and training via our Birmingham Carers Hub service, that helps ensure that unpaid Carers are recognised, respected and supported in their caring roles.
About Carers (data from Census, 2021)
- There are 91,441 unpaid Carers in Birmingham
- 32% of Carers provide over 50 hours of care each week
- 27% of Carers have their own registered disability
