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Director's report and financial statements
The directors present his/her/their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2026.
Principal activities
Directors
The directors who served the company throughout the year were as follows:
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the directors' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations and in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to :
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom, governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions
RAQS ART Trustees Annual Report
RAQS ART Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 July 2026
Structure, Governance and Management
RAQS ART is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Articles of Association. The organisation is overseen by a Board of Directors responsible for strategic direction, governance and ensuring alignment with the organisation's aims and objectives.
Trustees meet regularly to monitor progress, review impact and ensure compliance with legal and financial requirements. Governance is strengthened through partnership working and collaboration with artists, cultural organisations and community groups.
Objectives and Activities
RAQS ART exists to advance arts, heritage and wellbeing through creative engagement. The organisation works with diverse communities, particularly women and older people, creating opportunities for participation, learning and cultural exchange.
The organisation aims to:
Achievements and Performance
Geet Kahani
Funded by Neighbourhood Network Scheme
Geet Kahani continued to provide opportunities for older people to reconnect with memories, songs and stories from their heritage. Through regular gatherings, participants shared oral histories, folk traditions and lived experiences.
The project encouraged intergenerational learning and created opportunities for individuals to remain socially connected whilst preserving traditions which might otherwise be lost. Music, storytelling and memory sharing provided a welcoming environment where participants felt valued and heard.
The project continued to demonstrate the importance of oral traditions in strengthening identity and promoting a sense of belonging. Through shared experiences and collective memory, participants were encouraged to celebrate their heritage whilst building friendships and reducing isolation.
Stitching Stories
Funded by Yardley Neighbourhood Network Scheme
Stitching Stories brought together creativity, heritage and storytelling through textile-based workshops and shared conversations.
Participants explored memories, traditions and personal experiences whilst learning new skills and building confidence. The project encouraged social interaction and provided meaningful opportunities for women to connect through shared experiences.
Through creativity and conversation, participants developed friendships and strengthened their sense of identity and belonging. The project continued to attract new participants and provided a safe and welcoming environment where stories and traditions could be shared across generations.
Bethak Heritage Activities
Bethak continued to develop as an important heritage and storytelling space, providing opportunities for communities to come together through stories, music and creativity.
Activities included oral storytelling, folk songs and music, poetry and creative writing, heritage discussions, traditional arts and crafts, women's wellbeing activities and intergenerational gatherings.
Bethak provided a culturally familiar environment where participants could celebrate language, traditions and identity whilst reducing loneliness and isolation. Throughout the year the space continued to evolve as a place where stories, memories and experiences could be shared, helping to preserve traditions and strengthen community connections.
Folklore
Supported by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham's Charity
Stories in Bethak brought together participants from different generations to share memories, folklore and lived experiences.
Drawing upon themes of migration, identity, family history and belonging, stories were shared across generations, helping to preserve memories and strengthen connections within the community.
The programme combines heritage preservation with health and wellbeing, using storytelling as a means of reducing isolation, improving confidence and strengthening identity.
Stories are being recorded in Urdu, English and Mirpuri, contributing towards the development of a digital archive which will ensure that memories and traditions remain accessible for future generations and for wider community engagement.
Arts and Creative Programmes
RAQS ART delivered a range of creative activities across Birmingham including visual arts workshops, storytelling sessions, poetry, creative writing and community cultural events.
These activities encouraged participation and provided accessible opportunities for people to engage with arts and culture within community settings.
Art Room
Funded by the Fairer Futures Fund
The Art Room programme provided opportunities for participants to engage in creative activities designed to support confidence, self-expression and wellbeing.
Sessions encouraged creativity and social interaction, helping participants to build confidence whilst developing new skills. Through accessible and inclusive activities, the programme supported emotional wellbeing and encouraged participants to take part in wider community life.
Health and Wellbeing Programmes
Alongside its cultural work, RAQS ART continued to deliver wellbeing and fitness activities aimed at improving physical and emotional wellbeing.
Programmes included women's fitness sessions, yoga, creative wellbeing activities and community engagement programmes which helped participants maintain social connections and build confidence.
These activities reflected the organisation's commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing barriers to participation through community-based approaches.
Healing Arts Festival and Creative Health
Supported by Birmingham City Council
Throughout the year RAQS ART continued to explore the relationship between arts, heritage and wellbeing through creative health activities and participation in the Healing Arts Festival.
Storytelling, music and creativity were used to support emotional wellbeing and strengthen community connections. Activities created opportunities for people to come together, share experiences and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
The organisation continued to champion the role of arts and culture in supporting mental wellbeing and creating welcoming spaces where people could connect through shared heritage and lived experience.
Spirit of Pakistan Festival
RAQS ART continued its involvement with the Spirit of Pakistan Festival, contributing to the celebration of South Asian arts and culture.
Preparations commenced for a new multidisciplinary production, Shehrbano Ka Ranjha, bringing together storytelling, live music and dance inspired by the folklore and traditions of Punjab.
The production reflects the organisation's commitment to preserving cultural heritage whilst presenting traditional stories in new and accessible ways. Through a combination of narrative, music and movement, the production celebrates the richness of Punjabi folklore and contributes to the preservation of oral traditions for future generations.
South Asian Heritage Month
RAQS ART continued to contribute to South Asian Heritage Month through events celebrating stories, traditions and artistic practices from South Asian communities.
Activities highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage and creating opportunities for communities to share memories and traditions across generations.
Through storytelling, music and creative practice, the organisation continued to promote understanding, participation and appreciation of South Asian culture and heritage.
Impact
RAQS ART continued to make a positive contribution to communities across Birmingham.
Its work strengthened community connections and supported physical and emotional wellbeing through arts and heritage activities. Programmes reduced loneliness and social isolation and encouraged intergenerational learning through the sharing of memories, traditions and lived experiences.
The organisation continued to preserve traditions, language and oral histories whilst increasing participation in arts and cultural activities. Storytelling and music were used as tools to support confidence, belonging and mental wellbeing.
Work delivered during the year contributed towards the preservation of stories in Urdu, English and Mirpuri and laid the foundations for future digital archiving. Through partnerships with artists and community organisations, RAQS ART continued to broaden participation and reach new audiences.
Ongoing Growth
During the year the organisation strengthened partnerships and continued to attract new participants through community-led approaches.
RAQS ART was pleased to receive support from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham's Charity in recognition of the organisation's contribution to Birmingham communities.
The organisation continues to use storytelling, music and heritage as a means of supporting mental wellbeing and reducing social isolation, particularly amongst women and older people.
Through continued collaboration with artists, cultural organisations and community partners, RAQS ART has strengthened its position as a community-led organisation committed to preserving heritage whilst promoting wellbeing and participation.
Plans for the Future
RAQS ART remains committed to developing high-quality arts and heritage programmes.
Applications have been submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund and Arts Council England.
Future priorities include the expansion of Geet Kahani and Stitching Stories, further development of Bethak as a heritage space, oral history and digital archive projects, multidisciplinary performance work and strengthening partnerships across Birmingham and beyond.
The organisation intends to continue developing Stories in Bethak and exploring new opportunities to preserve folklore and oral traditions. Future plans include increasing access to heritage activities, developing new creative health programmes and expanding opportunities for communities to engage with arts and culture.
Building upon existing partnerships and community relationships, RAQS ART remains committed to supporting the preservation of traditions and lived experiences whilst ensuring that future generations can access and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Birmingham's diverse communities.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf by:
Date approved: 2
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Accountants report
You consider that the company is exempt from an audit for the year ended 31 July 2026 . You have acknowledged, on the balance sheet, your responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These responsibilities include preparing accounts that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year. In accordance with your instructions, we have prepared the accounts which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, the Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes from the accounting records of the company and on the basis of information and explanations you have given to us. We have not carried out an audit or any other review, and consequently we do not express any opinion on these accounts. ZN Accountants Ltd 31 July 2026 .................................................... ZN Accountants Ltd 28 Woodstock Crescent Dorridge Solihull B93 8DA 3
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Directors' responsibilities: The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on
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General Information
RAQS ART is a private company, limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, registration number 13497632, registration address 22 Shutlock Lane, Moseley, Birmingham, England, B13 8NZ.
The presentation currency is £ sterling.
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