Black History Month celebrates the heritage, culture and achievements of those from Black African and Caribbean backgrounds. First celebrated in the UK in October 1987, it is a time of year where there is a particular focus on the contribution of Black, African and Caribbean people to British society. In recognition of this, UCLH is working on several projects to celebrate the contributions and acknowledge the experiences of Black staff, past and present. This year's theme is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’, ensuring that the often-overlooked stories that define culture, heritage and contributions to society are told with accuracy, respect and authenticity.
UCLH Arts & Heritage are thrilled to be working with the Race, Equality and Culture Network to bring to its members a series of creative events celebrating Black History Month. Make sure to follow the Race, Equality and Culture Network on myUCLH to learn more about the offers for Black History Month.
Reclaiming Narratives This Black History Month: Call-Out
To celebrate Black History Month this year, the Race Equality & Culture Network in collaboration with UCLH Arts & Heritage would like to invite staff and volunteers at UCLH to share photographs, poems and songs that align with this year's Black History Month theme: 'Reclaiming Narratives.' The focus is on bringing attention to the stories, allegories, and histories of Black Heritage.
Photography
We invite staff to share a photo of a heritage item, a portrait, or a place, along with a brief description (2-3 sentences) of the subject. These photos will be part of an online archive showcasing the diverse experiences of our hospital staff.
Poetry
We invite staff and volunteers to send an original poem in various forms, such as haiku, limerick, or free verse. Selected poets will have the opportunity to perform their work at the end of the year.
Song
We are pulling together a playlist of heritage songs that reflect the diverse staff and volunteers that make UCLH. We would like to invite you to send in a song that particularly resonates with you, to be part of our Black History Month playlist. Please send us the song title, artist name and a couple of sentences about why you chose this track.
Deadlines for Submissions:
Friday, 25th October 2024
To submit please complete the form below, attach your photo in jpeg format and send it to krystina.
If you need assistance completing this form or have any questions, please email rachel.wilford1@nhs.net
Courtney Conrad is a Jamaican poet. Her debut pamphlet I Am Evidence is published by Bloodaxe Books. She is a winner of the Eric Gregory Award, Michael Marks Award, Bridport Prize Young Writers Award and Mslexia Women’s Pamphlet Prize.
This 90-minute poetry workshop offers a space to explore the themes of migration, home, belonging, and heritage. Participants will create their poems from the prompts provided to celebrate and honour their unique stories.
Whether you're new to poetry or a seasoned writer, this workshop is an opportunity to reflect, share, and connect with others through the written word.
When: Thursday 17th October, from 17:30 - 19:00
Where: Location to be confirmed
To register for the workshop, please email: krystina.
In the final event in celebration of Black History Month 2024, we have a visit to the British Museum to see Hew Locke: what have we here?
Join renowned Guyanese-British artist Hew Locke as he turns his lens on the British Museum collection in a collaborative exhibition exploring histories of British imperial power.
In this groundbreaking new show, Locke explores, questions and challenges narratives of British imperialism through objects from the British Museum collection, alongside specially commissioned new works.
When: Friday, 8th November 2024 at 18:00 p.m. entry, which will also allow you to enjoy other parts of the museum through to late night closing.
Where: The British Museum, Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Please register for a ticket, by emailing krystina.
About UCLH Arts & Heritage
UCLH Arts & Heritage is the hospital arts and heritage project that serves UCLH NHS Foundation Trust and its surrounding community and is funded entirely by charitable donations and fundraising. UCLH Arts & Heritage is committed to providing a welcoming, uplifting environment for all patients, visitors and staff through the use of a varied and stimulating arts and heritage programme. Its work aims to improve the patient experience, boost staff morale, increase engagement with the arts and celebrate the Trust’s unique heritage and community.
Since 2005, UCLH has worked to improve patient and staff outcomes through the Arts. It does this in a number of ways, including a changing exhibition and music programme, creative workshops on wards, artist residencies, commissioning site-specific artwork, and a staff culture club. UCLH arts and heritage receives its funding from UCLH Charity and the Friends of UCLH.
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