... But for real though, Why Are We Not Here?
Why Are We Not Here (WAWNH) is a Spike Island / Test Space x Rising Arts Agency exhibition premiering at Spike Open Studios, 4–12 May 2019. The exhibition features the work of eight young artists of colour and tackles themes around institutional racism in the arts – curated by Rising artists, Anika Deb and Stacey Olika. Here’s why this is one of the most important things you’ll see this month.
At last year’s artist-run Multiverse Summit, art critics, The White Pube, delivered a hard hitting provocation to all artist-led spaces within the UK, challenging their complacency and unacknowledged racial bias. Urging artist-led spaces to tackle institutional racism and the lack of presence of people of colour within the arts at all levels, it triggered a direct response from Test Space at Spike Island who, as a first step, initiated the project, ‘Why Are We Not Here?’ and contacted Rising to be involved. What began as an urgent challenge has turned into an eight-day exhibition – on the biggest week of Spike’s calendar – three spin-off events and a mobilised network of young creatives ready to create change.
Posi has been helping with the social media and promotion of the exhibition
One of the young people involved in our Whose Culture labs in February.
Fatima, one of the artists whose work will be exhibited, runs our @whose_culture instagram account.
THE ARTISTS:
Courtenay Welcome
Donnell Asare
Kiara Corales
Nadia Lloyd
Nick Ogri
Fatima Murtala
Leeza Awojobi
Jasmine Thompson
The exhibition will feature work from young Bristol-based artists of colour who responded to an open call from Rising. For some, this will be the first time their work is exhibited and for others, this is an opportunity for them to showcase new work and build on their exhibition experience.
WHY ARE WE NOT HERE?: THE EXHIBITION
The exhibition opens on Saturday 4th May – 12th May 2019 in Test Space, Spike Island. There will be a preview/ launch party on Friday 3rd May 2019 at Spike Island Test Space, 6pm -9pm. This will be a chance to get an exclusive peak at the work, meet the artists, curators and wider Rising team.
As well as the exhibition, we will be running three separate events to run alongside the exhibition – find out more about each of them below. They are free to attend, but booking is recommended to ensure you get a place:
Creatives of Colour For Change Workshop by ‘Whose Culture?’ 8th May 2019, 6-8pm. Spike Associates, Spike Island.
#WhoseCulture is a Rising activist project which believes Bristol arts and culture should be more representative, accessible and relevant to young Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people in the city. We believe we should get to define what culture means to us, and that Bristol’s cultural institutions should listen.
Join our ‘Whose Culture?’ team for a straight-talking session on what it’s like to be a young creative of colour in Bristol. We want to get to know you and explore how we can support each other. We want to let Bristol know that WE ARE HERE. Be a part of the change with us! Aimed at creatives aged 16-25 from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds but all are welcome. Led by media- maker Reece DaCosta. Book your free spot now!
WAWNH Panel Discussion: Why Are You Here? 9th May 2019, 6-8pm. Spike Associates, Spike Island.
Why are you here? is a Panel Discussion bringing together people from different communities to engage in discussion about creating meaningful conversations about institutional racism in the arts. Book your free tickets now.
WAWNH Exhibition Closing Event: Meet The Artists. 12th May 2019. 4-5pm. Test Space, Spike Island.
Closing the exhibition our featured artists will be speaking about their work and practice in an intimate setting, an opportunity to meet the artists and have conversations about the themes in their work. Book a free place now!
Why are we not here? Exhibition Opening Hours:
Spike Island Open Studios May Bank Holiday weekend
Preview 3rd May 2019, 6–9pm
4–6 May, 11am–5pm
Exhibition Continues 7–12 May, 12 – 5pm