Radical Black Arts Working Convention - REVISITED
This two-day event will present a panel discussion, talks, debates, performance and music revisiting some of the conversations that took place in the 1984 Radical Black Art Working Convention in Nottingham. It brings together artists, musicians, art professionals, students, activists and communities from Nottingham and beyond.
The original Working Convention's main objective was to reflect on an “examination of contemporary Black Art, highlighting its successes and failures relative to the economic, social and political realities faced by the Black Community, both in this country and worldwide”.
This event has been shaped and planned by a community working group, formed by Catherine Ross and Lynda Burrell (Museumand, The National Caribbean Heritage Museum), Louise McKenna, Nicole Crentsil and David Stickman Higgins. The group has used the original quote from the Radical Black Arts Working Convention programme as a starting point for the conversation. (see original 1984 copy on the tables)
Programme:
The convention will be co-hosted by Boseda Olawoye (Independent Engagement Curator), and Cindy Sissokho (Touring Programme Co-ordinator at Nottingham Contemporary).
Sat 18 March, 10.15am-6pm
10.15am – The Space opens for registration (refreshments available)
11.00am – Introduction to the working convention and programme11.15am – Panel discussion: with Marlene Smith, Claudette Johnson and Said Adrus, chaired by Charles Washington followed by Q&A
12.45pm – Lunch break
2.00pm – Table discussions
3.45pm – Break (refreshments available)
4.15pm – Table discussion exchange
5.30pm – Recap on Day 1
5.45pm – Panya Banjoko spoken word/poetry performance
6.00pm – Convention ends
7.30pm – Live music in the Café.Bar with Mellonie Page / Untold Rhythm / DJ Helmulen
Sun 19 March, 10am-3.30pm
10.00am – Walkthrough of the exhibition The Place Is Here led by Marlene Smith, Claudette Johnson, and Said Adrus
11.00am – Continuation of table discussions (follow up from Day 1) over brunch
12.30pm – Action plan to tackle the discussed issues
3.00pm – Conclusions of the convention
This event is part of the touring programme of Lubaina Himid and The Place is Here exhibitions in partnership with Modern Art Oxford, Spike Island, Firstsite and Harris Museum & Art Gallery.