October 21, 2024Five Free Arts Events You Can Still Catch This Black History Month

GRACE by Alvaro Barrington. The image shows a large, striking sculpture of a woman with metallic skin and colourful, mixed-media clothing, seated in a monumental pose within a classical building. Behind the figure are vibrant paintings featuring abstract human forms, adding to the dynamic atmosphere. The overall composition is bold, with bright colours, textures, and an imposing central figure.
GRACE by Alvaro Barrington. Photo courtesy of Tate Britain

We’ve bookmarked some of Artichoke’s top events that you can still catch before the end of Black History Month. Whether you’re looking for a fun afternoon activity or wanting to further your education of black history, there’s plenty to enjoy for free. 

Every October since 1987 the UK has acknowledged and celebrated the significant contributions that those with Black heritage have made to British life through Black History Month (BHM). This year’s theme is “Reclaiming Narratives”, recognising how Black culture has influenced society, correcting inaccuracies in the retelling of Black history, and addressing the erasure of its impact.

Grand Union – Reclaiming Narratives: A Musical Celebration at Poplar Union

For nearly 40 years, the Grand Union Orchestra has brought together musicians and singers born or brought up in all major musical traditions worldwide to create spectacular live shows.

Catch an evening of live music to honour the rich and diverse stories of Black communities through powerful musical narratives. From Togo to Mento, journey through songs and stories that are political, theatrical, eccentric and eclectic.

Location: Poplar Union, 2 Cotall Street, London, E14 6TL
Dates: Fri 25 Oct, 7pm-10:30pm 

Book your free tickets here. Find out more about the Grand Union Orchestra.

Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum: It Will End In Tears at the Barbican Centre

In her first UK commission, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum presents a new series of paintings at the Barbican. Inspired by the venue’s history, film noir, and set design, the work introduces Bettina, a new alter ego navigating life in a mid-century colonial outpost.

Through film sets designed with Remco Osório Lobato, the installation explores themes of migration, belonging, and freedom. Sunstrum employs film noir’s aesthetic and narrative conventions to challenge the reductive, often misogynistic, idea of the femme fatale.

Location: The Curve, Level G, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS
Dates: Thurs 19 Sept 2024 – Sun 5 Jan 2025, 11am-7pm

You do not need to book a ticket. Find out more about Sunstrum’s exhibition.

Lost and Found: A Black History Month Exhibition at Peckham Levels

Lost and Found is a UAL (University of the Arts London) exhibition based at Peckham Levels during Black History Month, that seeks to provide space for the often-unseen stories, narratives and histories from the local community of Peckham.

Created by Sharon Bertram, Lost and Found explores loss and its connection to memory. The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how recovering lost narratives can reveal new perspectives on the past and community.

Location:  UAL, Level 5/6, Peckham Levels, 95A Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Dates: Fri 4 – Thurs 31 Oct 2024, 11am-6pm (Open Wednesday – Saturday)

Find out more about Lost and Found.

Island Movements at Holborn Library

Island Movements is a short ballet choreographed by Greta Mendez MBE and developed by Darren Panton, the first Black British Royal Ballet School graduate, alongside Patrick Williams of the Alvin Ailey and Paris Opera companies.

It tells the story of the Windrush generation, beginning with a young Caribbean soldier in WW2 Britain and tracing her family’s experiences in the UK up to the present day. The performance will be followed by a Q&A with the dancers and creators, making it a perfect introduction for first-time ballet viewers.

Location: Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Rd, London WC1X 8PA
Dates: Fri 25 October, 3:30pm-4:30pm

You do not need to book a ticket. Find out more about Island Movements. 

Alvaro Barrington: GRACE at Tate Britain 

A journey in three parts honouring Barrington’s grandmother, sister and mother. Drawing from personal memories across time and place, from his grandmother’s Caribbean home where a thunderstorm hammers on the corrugated tin roof, to the exhilarating energy of Carnival.  

Barrington says ‘GRACE here explores how my grandmother, my mother, and my sister in the British Caribbean community showed up gracefully’. 

Location: Duveen Galleries, Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG 
Dates: Wed 29 May 2024 – Sun 26 Jan 2025, 10am-6pm 

You do not need to book a ticket. Find out more about GRACE.

Get the highlights of this year’s Black History Month on the BHM website.