Afrikaba 2011

Afrikaba 2011

2011 is the United Nations ‘International Year for People of African Descent’. This fits neatly with the ethos behind Afrikàba, which is to showcase high quality work from artists and cultural practitioners with African and Caribbean heritage.

What does this mean to Afrikaba? In showcasing the strengths of a culture, we learn of the individuals within it and recognise the contributions each culture makes to society as a whole.

As part of this year’s Afrikàba festival, on Oct 15th Jean Cadet, one-time member of the UN Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, will speak about Global Citizenship and an end to child slavery. We have also organised two other debates, one at Hastings Town Hall on Oct 17th with Professor Gus John and locally elected representatives debating multiculturalism; and another on Oct 18th examining ‘The Truth about Foreign Aid’ at Sussex Coast College.

What else is taking place?

This year, Afrikàba along with the Legacy Film Festival, Images of Black Women Film Festival and Electric Palace Cinema, we are working together to feature films that showcase the work of African and Caribbean filmmakers.

For the under fives there are lots of storytelling sessions at various locations and there is also a storytelling workshop for adults on Oct 22nd at Bullett Coffee House in Robertson Street. During the half term holidays, try a family workshop where you can learn how to make a Brazilian musical instrument or create a self portrait using mono-printing techniques.

And where would we be without music?

From the launch on Oct 8th at Sussex Coast College, the Oxjam Family Social at the Beacon on the West Hill where we’ll be fundraising for Oxfam, to HKBFiNN at Electric Palace and then the finale with Nana Tsiboe and guest artist Zara McFarlane, we’ve got you covered. If music be the food of love, play on Maestro!

Look through the programme and take your pick, it’s filled with activities the whole family can enjoy. These events are heavily subsidised, giving you the opportunity to enjoy them free or at a fraction of the cost. If you’d like to get to all the events but can’t decide where to spend your money, then buy a Festival Pass. To save even more money, take advantage of the ‘Early Bird’ offer – you get around 40% discount off the standard prices, plus you get two free tickets to Gwyneth’s African Party Night, which takes place every month.

As with all live events, the programme can change at any time without notice, so for up to date information visit www.afrikaba.co.uk

Enjoy the festival!
Gwyneth Wint
(Afrikàba Creative Director)