October 2019

The month of October is black history month and do we have a packed line-up both here and abroad!

Whether it's the contemporary African art fair at Somerset House or the British Film Institute showcasing African directors ABBA Makama and the like, wet October is also going to be a red-hot October. 

Much closer to the equator, things are hotting up on the creative side. If there is one month you should visit West Africa, it would have to be October. First off, there's Accra fashion week, then Lagos Fashion Week and for the book worms, the Ake Book Festival!

With not only Lagos fashion week but Ake Bookfest also taking place, this city with be brimming with celebrities, local artisans and writers.

So here is our rundown:

1:54

3rd- 6th October 

1:54 is a contemporary African art fair which takes place in New York, Marrakech, and London to improve the representation of African art in the global art scene.

Launched in 2013, 1:54 has become a mainstay in the London art scene. Taking place from the 3rd-6th of October, the 2019 edition will host over 45 galleries from across the world, with 140 artists on display. 

 

 Accra Fashion Week

2nd -6th October

Ghana: home of Edward Enninful, Ozwald Boateng and Virgil Abloh. All visionary and all groundbreaking. So you can imagine the quality and calibre of work coming out of Ghana's beautiful capital for fashionweek. Bringing leading African brands together to celebrate talent from across the continent. 

 Black Girl Fest - UK

 

12th October

 Black Girl Fest is the first UK arts and culture festival celebrating Black British women and girls. Like Ronseal, it does exactly what it says on the tin; it's a celebration of black British women so expect to see female entrepreneurs and change agents in full force.

This one day event has gained momentum over the last two years, with more exhibitors, guests and discussions. This year's theme of "Take up space" aims to build a wider discussion on how black women and allies can champion inclusivity across various industries.

Lagos Fashion and Design Week

23rd -26th 2019

 

Founder Omoyemi Akerele has been doing the rounds this year entrenching African designers in the international fashion landscape. Between Us was a collaboration with UK concessions store The Shop At Bluebird, which showcased the work of 20 African designers for 6 weeks. In the lead up to Lagos Fashion Week, the Fashion Focus talks which took place in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya, addressed the challenges currently facing African fashion industry. Definitely a highlight in our fashion calendar. 

 

 Ake Book Festival 

 

24th -27th October

Director Lola Shoneyin's love of books brought about the idea of the Ake Book fest.
This year's theme is "black bodies and grey matter"; exploring the triumphs and trauma of being a black person and also focusing on mental health.

There will be a children's corner, an artist in residence who will spearhead art classes to encourage kids to engage with books as early as possible.
With over 100 writers, poets, dancers, artists and filmmakers, Lagos will certainly be buzzing with creativity this October. We should also add Man Booker prize winner Bernadine Evaristo will be one of the talented 100 involved.

 

Brighton Dome and Dance Consortium presents: Giselle