Diversity Matters Awareness Week kicks off with: “BLAXPLOITALIAN” by Afro-Italian filmmaker Fred Kuwornu // 18th April 2016!

“Diversity in the modern world is more than just skin colour – it’s gender, age, disability, sexuality … and most important diversity of thought” – Fred Kuwornu, filmmaker

“BLAXPLOITALIAN: 100 Years of Blackness In The Italian Cinema“;  a documentary which puts itself on the path of different waves of pioneers of African descent who, since the beginning of the 1900s, have worked in Italian Cinema – the first black man appeared in the 1913 film, Baldassarre Negroni’s “Zuma the Gypsy”

Diversity Matters Awareness Week 2016!

Join us for “Diversity Matters Awareness Week: Let’s Talk About Race” 18th -23rd April 2016. Supported by UAL (Teaching and Learning Exchange), UAL Diversity Team, GEMS, Shades of Noir and SUARTS! 

UAL Creative Enterprise Week 16th – 20th Nov 2015

UAL Creative Enterprise Week 2015 Talks & Events

A packed week aimed at creative start-ups, freelancers, entrepreneurs and people with ideas; Enterprise Week will give you practical skills, insider tips and the inspiration you need to get ahead.

We need more BAME students involved, so take advantage of these opportunities (esp whilst you’re still a student!) Open to UAL students and alumni. For more info CLICK HERE! 

Sara Shamsavari Veil series exhibition preview at Library on the 2nd Nov!

Let’s do Lunch – The urban Guide Network invite you to the exhibition preview of Veil series by British-Iranian photographer Sara Shamsavari on the 2nd November at 6pm. This event will be at the exclusive members venue, Library on St Martin’s Lane.

CLICK HERE to find out more on www.LetsdolunchUrbanguide.com

Casting Call for Feature Film: African males from Botswana and nearby regions wanted!

A feature film production making a movie about Sir Seretse Khama and his time in London, have reached out with a casting call for male students from Botswana, or near that region to be in the film. The film is set in the 1940’s and shoots around the London area in November.

What’s On? Martina Attille: Dreaming Rivers PLUS FREE tickets to give away!

We have FIVE FREE tickets to give away to see Martina Attille’s 30 minute short on the 2nd Nov 2015, part of the series Rewind: Sankofa and Artist Film and Video at Tate Britain.

Love & Basketball 15th Year Anniversary Celebration: FREE tickets PLUS 10% discount code!

If you remember the film Love & Basketball you’re probably over 18 and therefore in luck to join Amacoast Cinema in association with We Are Parable for an exclusive 15 year anniversary celebration of the classic film on the 16th October 2015 at 6pm!

Let’s do Lunch: A networking platform for creatives

Hi everyone, it’s Kai here! I thought I’d sneak in a quick self-promoting blog post whilst the new ACS committee are sorting themselves out… Besides this blog is still active so best I keep you posted!

The New UAL ACS Committee… Coming soon!

You voted and they were elected!

The brand new UAL ACS committee 2015/16 will be in full swing from the beginning of the academic year. In the mean time if you have any enquiries specifically regarding UAL ACS, please email SUARTS societies co-ordinator Sarah Dean s.a.dean@su.arts.ac.uk

Can’t make it to Haiti this summer?… Follow #Art4Change blog!

The typical “British weather” isn’t the only unexpected surprise when it comes to summer! Many students that expressed interest in volunteering in Haiti this summer have had to pull out due to other commitments that have suddenly crept up! I had the option to either postpone the trip, or campaign alone to fund #Art4Change…

Kora Love: Haitian-American musician Guylene Solon supports #Art4ChangeHaiti

Video interview filmed and edited by Kai Lutterodt. Please support #Art4ChangeHaiti by donating clothing (3-13 years), arts materials or fundraising at www.gofundme.com/art4changeHaiti

Find out more about Guylene Solon and her art www.guylene.com and the album www.pangeaunita.com

#Art4Change: Help us reach our goal to volunteer in Haiti!

Kai with children from Delmas camps in Port-au-Prince

Summer seemed like a long way away when we started fundraising for our volunteer trip to Haiti, however it’s caught up with us in no time! Despite our many efforts to raise enough funds through our events during the academic year (and thank you to everyone who donated, bought raffles tickets and products), I’m now faced with 3 options as we haven’t reached our target of £2,500: postpone the trip, cancel the trip… or find a way to push forward and raise enough money to go! And knowing me, when I put my mind on doing something I have to see it through!

UAL ACS wins Community Award!

“A massive well done to the African Caribbean Society for winning a suarts community award! Kai you have done such a fantastic job discussing the issues which BME students face in UAL and beyond!! I know how challenging it has been but you have strived with so much grace. All the events put on by the ACS have been absolutely amazing!” – Bee, current LCC Officer.

June 29: Moving Forward British Black Music Roundtable & Networking

This event is a consequence of a suggestion made at the ACS UAL’s pre-BBMM2015 (British Black Music Month) event ‘Diversity And Media: Where Is The ‘Black’ In British Music?‘ This is a roundtable for industryites and enthusiastic domestic black music fans who aim to explore ways of moving forward some of the ideas/issues to help build a stronger sector. Book your expression of interest now. Successful attendees will be notified by Thursday June 25.

British Black Music Month: Race Equality: In Music Industry Launch: ‘British Music Industry Gains From Black Music: What Have Africans Gained?’ Debate!

British Black Music Month event TONIGHT (Thursday June 4 2015, 6-8pm) Race Equality: In Music Industry Launch: ‘British Music Industry Gains From Black Music: What Have Africans Gained?’ Debate! CLICK HERE to book.

BritishBlackMusic.com/Black Music Congress present a panel-led debate on the contribution of black music to the British music industry and what the payback is for people of African heritage, whose creative capital, drives a significant proportion of popular music.

Learning outside the box (of the lecture room): Black Portraitures II & ReSignifications, Florence Italy

UAL ACS President Kai Lutterodt representing at Black Portraitures II in Florence, Italy

Last weekend the streets of Florence were painted black… and every other colour under the sun as academics, artists, filmmakers, creatives and distinguished guests of African origin (and supporters of black art) from USA, Caribbean, Europe and African congregated in Italy for Black Portraitures II… And I was lucky enough to be part of the colourful setting!

Artefact: WHERE’S THE BLACK IN BRITISH MUSIC?

UAL ACS President/event organiser Kai Lutterodt with Kwaku; founder of Black Music Congress

Words by Maya Ladwa for Artefact magazine. Photos by Kai Lutterodt

Multiculturalism in Italy seminar with Fred Kuwornu

ACS committee members ventured out of London to  support Fred Kuwornu giving a lecture on “Multiculturalism in Italy” and screening of his film 18 IUS SOLI at University of Reading.

Thank you the the amazing lecturers from the Modern Languages department who showed us great hospitality. We’re looking forward to collaborating in the new academic year.

Date for your diary: 26th May “Where is the ‘black’ in British Music?”

Our final series of “Diversity and the Media” ends with an industry professional panel helping us answer, what we’ve all been thinking; “Where’s the ‘black’ in British Music?” CLICK HERE to get your FREE ticket!

Despite the UK being a melting-pot of cultures, black and ethnic minorities are too often under-represented in various categories of the media – including the British music industry.

AfricanHistoryPlus: How far has Britain come the Race Relation Act of 1965?

One year on from the Look How Far We’ve Come: Getting Racism Back On The Agenda? Conference, BTWSC and African Histories Revisited (AHR) return to the Abbey Centre in Westminster on Thursday 14th May 6pm-9pm, for a special three-in-one event consisting of ‘Is Jesus White?’ presentation highlighting religion & identity and more. CLICK HERE to get your tickets!

Diversity and the Media: TRiBE’s Women of colour speak out!

UAL ACS collaborated with TRiBE to host an engaging industry professional panel discussion on “Women of colour in the media“…

Panel of experts included:

Siana Bangura – Journalist, Poet and creator of No Fly On The Wall

VV Brown: Singer, songwriter and record producer

Baby Isako: Screenwriter and creator of Sky Living’s “Venus vs Mars”

Remel London: TV and radio presenter

Monique Needham: Filmmaker, writer and creator of online hit “Housemates”

Carlene Thomas-Bailey: Editor and writer

Citizenship Denied: 18 IUS SOLI film screening and conversation led by Fred Kudjo Kuwornu

18 IUS SOLI is a documentary film which highlights the implications of the Italian ‘ius soli’ law in contemporary Italy; denial of citizenship to children born of immigrants. Italian-Ghanaian activist, director, and producer Fred Kudjo Kuwornu will be giving a lecture on Multiculturalism in Contemporary Italy and show his documentary 18 IUS SOLI on Tuesday 19th May at 6pm Reading University.

10 reasons to keep UAL ACS Active!

Supporting #OccupyUAL in March 2015

Boy, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I signed up for the role of ACS President last September! I can’t think of a more apt cliché to summarise my experience than “it’s been a roller coaster ride”… No but literally (well, at least mentally and emotionally)!

Your Right – Your Vote! UAL ACS committee 2015/16

The General Elections are just around the corner! Whatever your views on politics and Politicians – we hope you’ll exercise your RIGHT TO VOTE on Thursday 7th May 2015.

And when you’re done casting your vote to elect the 56th Parliament of the United Kingdom, don’t forget to nominate yourself for a UAL African Caribbean Society committee role!

TRiBE’s Women of Colour in the Media 6th May at London College of Communication

Part of UAL ACS Diversity and the Media series. Organised by TRiBE and co-hosted by UAL ACS! Book your FREE tickets today! CLICK HERE

About the panelists:

UAL ACS attends Creative Access Industry Showcase

 

Creative Access panel

April 1st might be April fools day, however the message Creative Access put across about increasing diversity within the media sectors by hosing their 7th Creative Industries Showcase in Channel 4’s upmarket contemporary setting, was no laughing matter.

Keep Calm – Term’s Over!

We’ve made it through another term which means we’re now more than half way through the academic year!

Black History Walks: Queen Nzinga Lectures

Tony Walker; founder of Black History Walks

Queen Nzinga was an African Queen who fought against the European invasion of southern Africa (Congo/Angola). The Queen Nzinga lecture series feature African female academics / holders of expert knowledge, speaking on topics of their choice on a monthly basis. The Nzinga lecture series will provide a regular platform for women of African descent to highlight important issues in  an academic setting. As a result of these lectures a  Black Women in Academia Support Group has been set up.

Thank you for supporting UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival!

“Black, Gay and Proud”

All good things must come to an end though we didn’t quite envision a month would go by so quickly when we started putting the final touches to our Film and Literature Festival plans earlier this year. We organised and co-hosted 13 events during the month-long UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival which ended on Friday 27th March with “Black History of Comedy” presented by Black History Walks.

PLEASE leave your feedback in the comment box so we can continue to organise these types of events!

Black History Walks “The Black History of Comedy” highlights from UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival

UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival ended on Friday 27th with The Black History of Comedy presented by Black History Walks at London College of Communication. The visual presentation gave insight to how *black comedians often use history as part of their material. The interactive session pieced together a visual tapestry of the best historical comedy from great known and unknown comics from the 1960’s to now. It also placed their comical observations on a historical timeline of international struggle for African equality and show how comedy can be educational.

A great way to end a month-long of events, screenings and seminars! Thank you for making our festival a success by attending and supporting!

ACS Spotlight: James Barnor behind the lens of the Gold Coast

If you’ve never heard of James Barnor – Google could be your redeemer.

James Barnor is a distinguished Ghanaian photographer whose works span over 6 decades covering iconic pre and post Independence occasions in Ghana, formerly the Gold Coast, and Europe. At age 85, Barnor still is exudes youth and passion for his art.

ACS Spotlight: Sara Shamsavari unviels her dynamic exhibition at Royal Festival Hall

 

Sassy, vibrant, unapologetic.

Sara Shamsavari in a lot of ways reflects her dynamic exhibition The LONDON, PARIS & NYC VEIL series currently showing at the Royal Festival Hall as part of Southbank Centre’s WOW – Women of the World Festival (1 – 8 March), extended until March 29th. 

ACS Spotlight: Glenn Michael Harper behind the lens at #OccupyUAL

Spotlight: Glenn Michael Harper behind the lens at #OccupyUAL. Photo by Kai Lutterodt

“Over 800 cuts to foundation courses across UAL…
Job redundancies…
and without consultation with students + staff.
Students have stood up to say NO!” – Glenn Michael Harper BA Photography at LCC and UAL Mature & Part Time Students Officer.

UAL ACS solidarity: No To Foundation Cuts #OccupyUAL!

On Thursday 19th March an emergency meeting was held at London College of Communication to discuss the news that UAL management allegedly propose to cut over 800 places on Foundation courses which will leave staff are at risk of redundancy from September 2015. These plans are being pushed through with no consultation and no mandate. It was therefore decided that, due to the urgency, action need to be taken straight away… So students proceeded to occupy a large area of Central Saint Martins (CSM) in protest against these cuts!

On the streets with Daniele Tamagni

On the streets of Soho with award-winning photographer Daniele Tamagni…

Black History Walks “Pull Up to the Bumper: Black Bodies on Trend” Highlights from UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival

UAL ACS President Kai giving an introduction before the lecture

 

UAL African Caribbean Society hosted Black History Walks Queen Nzingha Lecture 23: “Pull Up to the Bumper: Black Bodies on Trend” presented by Teleica Kirkland founder of the Costume Institute for the African Diaspora (CIAD) at London College of Communication on the 20th March.

Daniele Tamagni “Gentlemen of Bacongo” book discussion and signing

On the 19th March award-winning “Gentlemen of Bacongo” photographer Daniele Tamagni gave an exclusive meet and greet at London College of Communication, hosted by us – UAL African Caribbean Society as part of UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival. The intimate event was an opportunity to ask questions about the book, network and get a copy of the limited edition book “Gentlemen of Bacongo” which students got a signed copy of at a discount. Daniele, who arrived from a meeting with his publisher Trolly, shared the news that his book book will be available in Japanese from May.

“#OurStories: Black Women in Film” highlights from UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival

Hosted as part of UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival this Women’s History Month, Thenublk screened a series of short films created by a number of exciting storytellers whose work offers a refreshing look at Black experiences from around the globe. Our Stories: Black Women in Film took place on the 19th March, at London College of Communication.

Pictures and full video below.

ACS Spotlight: This is my TRiBE London

“We have the mentality that we’re trying to survive – not thrive… That is something I want to change.” – TRiBE founder Seyi.

When Seyi reached out to UALACS via email and explained about her charitable organisation called TRiBE, I was eager to know more. So I arranged an informal meet up at Chipotle on Charing Cross Road to discuss a possible collaboration…

“Half of a Yellow Sun” film screening highlights from UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival

Thanks to everyone who attended our educational screening of “Half of a Yellow Sun” followed by Q&A from Film Specialist Nadia Denton and Project Embrace founder Lekia Lée.

What’s on this week?… 16/03/15

A summary of what’s on this commencing week 16th March…

Black History Walks “Who Stole All The Black Women From Britain?” highlights from UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival

Tony Walker and Emma Dabiri “Who Stole All The Black Women From Britain?” at LCC

UAL African Caribbean Society hosted Black History Walks Queen Nzingha Lecture 24: “Who Stole all the Black Women from Britain?” presented by Emma Dabiri – TheDiasporaDiva at London College of Communication on the 13th March.

“Shorts night: showcasing short films” highlights from UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival!

L-R: Miho Soon, Ellie Jones, Ethosheia Hylton, George Massey, Mary Nyambura, Shaneika J. Simms, Joel Tshienda

Despite a few technical glitches and a last-minute cancellation, we managed to pull through for yet another worthy event part of our UAL African Caribbean Society Film and Literature Festival at London College of Communication. “Shorts night” showcased short films at various stages; award-winning, kickstarter funded, fresh from edit, film festival submitted, and personal projects, offering a diverse perspective on the creativity of short films.

UAL ACS Edu-Trip: Florence, Italy for Black Portraiture{s} II Conference: Imaging the Black Body and Re-Staging Histories 28 – 31 May

 

From the 28th May – 31st May Black Portraiture{s} II Conference: Imaging the Black Body and Re-Staging Histories will be taking place in Firenze, Italy. The conference and exhibition will offer comparative perspectives on the historical and contemporary role played by photography, art, film, literature, and music in referencing the image of the black body in the West. 2015’s event will be a sequel to five highly successful conferences held over the past six years. CLICK HERE to see full event info.

Black, Gay, & Proud: representation of LGBTQ in Film highlights from UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival!

“Black Gay and Proud” panel l-r; Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, Rikki Beadle-Blair, and Stephen Hoo

 

As part of UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival and our campaign for diversity within University of the Arts London, we hosted a discussion on the 10th March about the representation of *Black LGBTQ in Film, Theatre and Literature. As well as addressing questions to our amazingly distinguished “Black Gay and Proud” panel; Rikki Beadle-Blair, Phyll Opoku-Gyimah and Stephen Hoo, questions from the audience made the discussion interactive and dynamic. Singer David McAlmont, model and actor Julius Reuben and Stud Life actor Kyle Treslove were notable names in attendance.

Daniele Tamagni EXCLUSIVE “meet and greet” + book signing of “Gentlemen of Bacongo”!

Join us for an informal “meet and greet” session with award-winning Italian photographer Daniele Tamagni at London College of Communication hosted by UAL ACS as part of UAL African Caribbean Society Film and Literature Festival! 

What’s on this week?… 9/03/15

A summary of what’s on this commencing week 9th March…

Happy International Women’s Day: “For Colored Girls”

It’s been sitting on my desk for almost a month; Tyler Perry’s “For Colored Girls” on DVD. Today, however, seemed fitting to finally unwrap the DVD and slot it into my laptop. Included in the special features is “Span of the Rainbow” documentary which explores the origins of Ntozake Shange‘s critically acclaimed 1975 play “For Colored Girls Who Have considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf“…

There’s something beautiful about telling our

UAL ACS Socials – farewell 3rd years

The term’s drawing to a close, and many of our 3rd year ACS members are finishing off dissertations and getting ready to hand in final projects to mark the end of their student life at UAL…

UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival: Our history in words

Literature plays an important role in preserving our history particularly for the sake of the younger generation. So we’ve teamed up with children’s author Kandace Chimbiribooks who’ll be providing her books autographed for sale at “Who Stole Black Women from Britain?” by Black History Walks on 13th March, part of UAL ACS Film and Literature Festival!