In the UK, Black History Months falls every October. Originating in the US in the 1920s, it was first celebrated in the UK in 1987.
There are a number of events and exhibitions taking place across Hull this month that celebrates and explores black history, and black heritage within our city.
Deanio X – To Heal a Butterfly
Wilberforce House Museum, until Monday 31 March
Leading artist Deanio X has been commissioned to produce a series of thought-provoking artworks for temporary display at Wilberforce House Museum.
To Heal A Butterfly creates a visual response to the Wilberforce Institute’s research on the ‘Sea Islands & Jamaica’ enslavement records, through a combination of improvisational portraiture, digital animation and sculptural installation.
The commission is a partnership between Hull Museums and the Wilberforce Institute, University of Hull.
Echoes of our Heritage
Wilberforce House Museum, Friday 4 October until until Sunday 26 January
Echoes of Our Heritage is a captivating exhibition that explores the rich history of Black music. As part of “The Sound of Our Skin” festival, this exhibition celebrates the vibrant and transformative power of Black musical traditions.
Seen and Unseen
Ferens Art Gallery, Friday 17 October until Saturday 25 January
Seen and Unseen is a contemporary figurative art exhibition that explores the themes of race, identity, gender and diversity, nature and climate change, through the works of outstanding racially marginalised artists.
The exhibition aims to promote artists that haven’t yet been fully recognised for their achievements, and questions who has ‘not been allowed in’ to the artworld.
Sound of Our Skin Festival
High Street (various locations), Saturday 5 October and Sunday 6 October
The Sound of Our Skin is a pilot arts festival that celebrates the richness of diverse human experiences and challenges discriminative racial narratives.
From day into the evening, The Sound of Our Skin invites everyone to experience a thrilling and unique culturally diverse festival that showcasing music and art from different cultural backgrounds.
Artist Talk: Nahem Shoa
Ferens Art Gallery , Friday 18 October 2pm until 3pm
Join Nahem Shoa, artist and co-curator of Seen and Unseen for a tour of the exhibition, which brings together outstanding masterpiece paintings, some that will be seen for the first time in a British art gallery.
Felabration 2024: Look and Laugh in the UK Closing Ceremony
Ferens Art Gallery, Sunday 20 October 6pm until 9pm
The Ferens Art Gallery is hosting the closing ceremony of Felabration 2024: Look and Laugh in the UK.
Felabration is an annual global festival celebrating the life and legacy of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. People can look forward to dynamic performances, DJ sets, and a lively atmosphere, bringing the spirit of Afrobeat to Hull as we conclude this year’s Felabration in style.
