Request Line, by artist Faisal Hussain, is a new installation featuring the one of the largest vinyl archives of South Asian music in the UK, opening at Manchester Museum’s South Asia Gallery on 19 July.
The 3000 vinyl collection was rescued in 2017 from the Oriental Star Agencies Store in Balsall Heath, Birmingham, before it was forced to close. Back in the 1980s, the records were initially played at BBC Radio West Midlands by Mohammed Ayub, Anita Bhalla and Farah Durrani as part of the ‘East in West’ radio show.
This new installation will play a selection of records alongside their vinyl covers, whilst revealing handwritten requests people sent in throughout the 1980s within the vinyl sleeves – providing an intimate look at the South Asian community in Birmingham at this time.
Also on display will be videos, animations, archival imagery and listening stations, supported by an exciting launch night with a talk from the artist and performances by DJ Rizmi and Chandé.
The installation kick starts South Asian Heritage Month 2023 for Manchester Museum, an important celebration of South Asian heritage and history in the UK through arts, culture, education and commemoration. Across the month, the museum is hosting events that are programmed in collaboration with South Asian communities, artists and performers.
