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BDF Gather

What’s Your Obsession?

  • Thu 15th Oct, 2026
  • 7:00pm
  • The Crossing
  • talk
  • From £8
  • 180 mins

What’s your Obsession? In an age where it can be seen as cringe to care deeply about a subject, we’re flipping that notion the birdie and diving headfirst into the working practice of four amazing obsessives… Our stellar line-up includes analogue photography, songwriting, ceramics and social documentation – all pursued with a dogged determination, inspiring talent and genuine passion.

You might be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of ‘Black Country Type’, the ongoing documentary work of multidisciplinary artist Tom Hicks. Expect insight into the origins of this much loved art project, and the places it has taken Tom (film, sculpture, album art, exhibitions and books!).

Kate Hook is a legend in the world of analogue photography, perhaps best known for her command of Lomography – and the generous way she shares her set-ups and methods through viral reels. Now firmly back in Brum, Kate is going to share her obsession with analogue image-making.

Sketch Avenue is the ceramic practice of local artist and designer Ayesha Bibi, recognisable ‘objects of desire’ often inspired by her South Asian heritage. Bibi’s love of ceramics recently took her to the heady heights of ITV, featuring on ‘Be Your Own Boss’ with Holly Tucker MBE.

If you’re into heritage skills, fairground art, signwriting, or just type – you’re going to LOVE Joby Carter… formerly the proprietor of Carters Steam Fair (the world’s largest travelling vintage funfair) Joby now promotes and celebrates the legacy of fairground lettering through his books and courses.

  • Speakers

    • Ayesha Bibi
    • Tom Hicks
    • Joby Carter
    • Kate Hook
  • Ticket Prices

    From £8

  • Duration

    180 mins

Speakers

Ayesha Bibi

Sketch Avenue

Tom Hicks

Black Country Type

Joby Carter

Signwriter

Kate Hook

Photographer

Venue

The Crossing

South & City College Birmingham,
High Street,
Digbeth,
Birmingham, UK

Full details

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