Public invited to help make 4,600 hand-made gifts this weekend for Birmingham 2022 athletes

With preparations well underway to welcome the Commonwealth Games to the city this summer (in just over 110 days), Selfridges is inviting Brummies to hand-make gifts for the 4600 athletes competing in the Birmingham 2022 games.

Together with the charity Craftspace, the department store is this weekend hosting special workshops where visitors can turn a simple blank gift template into a one-off, beautiful object that will be treasured forever by visitors from the Commonwealth Nations and Territories.

Guests are invited to take part in making 4600 hand-embellished gifts and upcycling locally-sourced materials into messages of welcome – all made with love in Brum.

Participants don't need any crafting experience, just enthusiasm to give it a go — Participants don’t need any crafting experience, just enthusiasm to give it a go

Participants don’t need any crafting experience as the team will be on hand to help with techniques to wrap, knot and stitch. Finished gifts and a personal message will be presented to a visiting athlete when they arrive for the Games in July.

A spokesperson from Craftspace said: “4600 Gifts is an invitation to you, your friends and your neighbours to join in welcoming athletes to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

“Join in one of our workshops hosted by Selfridges to turn a simple blank gift template into a one-off, beautiful object that will be treasured forever by our visitors from the Commonwealth Nations and Territories.

“Your gift will carry a message of welcome from one hand to another, marking a special moment in time for Birmingham. We’d love you to be part of it!”

4600 Gifts is produced by Craftspace, as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Craftspace's 4600 handmade gifts will be presented to a visiting athlete as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games — Craftspace’s 4600 handmade gifts will be presented to a visiting athlete as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Who are Craftspace?

Craftspace is a charity creating opportunities to see, make and be curious about exceptional contemporary craft.
We are based in Birmingham and work collaboratively regionally, nationally and internationally.

We build relationships between artists, people and organisations and encourage the sharing of ideas, skills and knowledge. We have 30 years’ experience and continue to learn, push boundaries and challenge ideas.

Craftspace initiates artistic programmes which stimulate creative excellence, critical thinking and understanding of contemporary crafts in the widest social and cultural contexts.

Some of the 4,600 gifts will be displayed at the Library of Birmingham before all are gifted to Birmingham 2022 athletes

Do I get to take anything home?

As your item will be presented to a visiting athlete as part of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, unfortunately you won’t be able to take it home. However, there will be a showcase at Birmingham Library between 30 June – 9 July that will be open to the public, to view a selection of the gifts and learn more about the project.

Do I need any experience?

You don’t need any special craft skills to take part as the workshops are suitable for beginners with craft, or for those who have more experience in working with yarn. All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness to have a go.

How long does the workshop last?

Organisers expect that it will take approximately an hour to make your gift and write your message.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Everything you need to make your gift will be provided.

Can children take part?

This activity is designed for adults and young people aged 11 and above, children aged 9 working with an adult would be able to take part.

Access

Craftspace are working to make their programme accessible; access details for this event are:

If you are a wheelchair user please book any time slot – please let them know you are using a wheelchair in the ‘additional information about your booking’ question on the order form.

Please book 2 tickets if you have a support worker or carer who will attend with you.

Specific sessions on both days will have a BSL interpreter present and additional volunteer support for visually impaired participants – event organisers will confirm the times of these slots soon, please email [email protected] for more information.

4600 hand-embellished gifts are being made by upcycling locally-sourced materials into messages of welcome – all made with love in Brum — 4600 hand-embellished gifts are being made by upcycling locally-sourced materials into messages of welcome

When and where are the workshops?

Date and time:

Saturday 9 Apr 2022, 10am – 6.30pm

Sunday 10 Apr 2022, 11am – 5pm

Location:

Selfridges – Level 1, Upper Mall East, The Bull Ring, Birmingham B5 4BP

(The workshop is located on the shop floor in Selfridges, between the toyshop and luggage sales area. It is near the Click & Collect area where there is a quieter area to sit, if required.)

Are these gift-making workshops taking place anywhere else?

The 4600 Gifts workshops have also been taking place at Moseley Road Swimming Baths, with future locations including churches and community centres around Birmingham. You can see other planned venues here.

4600 Gifts tickets are free of charge. For tickets, workshop session times and more details, see here.