Black British Pioneers: Then and Now - Contemporary Programme

How has the art of storytelling, imagining and creating evolved, from the archival to the contemporary? The pioneers and those who follow in their footsteps? Alongside championing those who came before, it is important to recognise the here and now. How the arts are intertwined in our everyday and as we move through the range of human experiences. 

Honouring the ‘then and now’, this strand of contemporary works compliments each archival strand, allowing us to celebrate those who walk the path the pioneers have paved. Continuing the legacy of storytelling through various mediums, these films speak to Black British experiences with movement and music, with each film speaking to the importance and relevance of the arts in day to day life. From connecting with one's heritage and bonding with relatives, to navigating grief and finding comfort in an art form, these incredible works remind us of what holds true - then, now and in decades to come, the arts will forever be a crucial part of our existence. 

Titles featured in this programme:

- Oya Dance (6 mins, Dir. Naomi Soneye-Thomas)

- Ballet Black, Burn from the Inside (10 mins)

- Girls’ Room (12 mins, Dir. Tracey Lopes)

- 1 UP (17 mins, Dir. Greg Francis)

- Youlogy/No Ghost (9 mins, Dir. Darryl Daley)

- MUNA (18 mins, Dir. Warda Mohamed)

This programme has been curated by Tosin Alapafuja as part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, Rebels With A Cause!