National photographic exhibition on Black dance comes to The Mall Bristol
Friday, 9th October 2009
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Black Dance in Britain, 1930's to the 1990's - Moments is a new exhibition on view at The Mall Bristol (formerly The Galleries) from Friday, October 9, 2009 to January 2010. It is a touring exhibition and its visit to the city is thanks to arts organisations: Imayla and Dance Dialogues, with support from Bristol City Council and other partners, including the Arts Council.
The exhibition is free and highlights the enormous contribution made to theatrical dance by black practitioners in Britain.
The exhibition was commissioned by the Association of Dance of the African Diaspora and has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The photographs are national treasures and a great educational resource. They give visitors a glimpse into some of the many untold stories of how much Black dance artists have contributed to British culture in spite of difficulties they may have faced.
The exhibition has toured to London, Birmingham and most recently Manchester. It also explores the issues of identity, racial representation and notions of diversity and 'the mainstream'. The stunning photographs present the pioneers from three different eras and have been sourced from leading photographers, archives and the New York Library.
Ekome, one of the companies featured in this exciting exhibition were Bristol-based and have an historic place in the development of African People's dance in Britain.
The exhibition acts as a centrepiece to a whole range of events Dance Dialogues have organised for the professional, the enthusiast, practitioners and schools throughout Bristol in October and November. There will be professional master classes, adult and youth taster dance workshops, Films, Debate and performances by national black dance professionals, local young people and dance practitioners.
Debbie Thomas, member of Bristol’s Dance Development Working Group, said: 'This exhibition is an important archive and will give people defining moments in the history of black dance in the country. The associated events give people a chance to participate in and view the rich and popular dance forms.'
Exhibition opens on October 9 to January 2010 at Unit BG11 (the former Pilot shop, next to Waterstones on Union Street), The Mall, Broadmead, Bristol.
