GB-London: Black Culture Collective Commissioning Programme 2023

The Black Culture Collective and Peabody are seeking creative and ambitious proposals to celebrate Thamesmead's diverse cultures and heritage with the wider community.

1.Our aims for the Commission

The commissioned programme needs to increase our celebration and representation of African and Caribbean culture and heritage throughout Thamesmead for the benefit of local residents and communities.

The projects need to be creative and of high quality, they must 'speak' to the local community and be accessible and relevant.

You can submit a proposal for a project of either £5,000 or £10,000.

The project delivery should be black African and/or Caribbean led. Artists whose work centres around black art, culture or heritage are welcome to apply, as are those whose work does not.

Through the commissioning of this programme the BCC and Peabody aim to:

•Deliver high quality creative projects that increase the diversity of Thamesmead's cultural offer •Raise the awareness and celebration of African and Caribbean cultures in particular

•Support local black African and Caribbean artists and creatives to access funding and deliver successful projects. •Support creative projects that are of benefit and relevance to local residents and communities. •Develop work that is inspired by, or that is specific to Thamesmead as a place and its diverse community. •Embed talent development; providing some form of work experience or youth offer in the work.

•Support enterprise; encourage the use of local fabricators and businesses wherever possible.

•Support small black led voluntary and community groups, artist and creatives to showcase the work they do

Key themes

•Educational activities: that promote the creative learning of African and Caribbean history, culture and language

•Cultural programmes and provision: celebrating the performing or visual arts. This can include dance, song, drumming, storytelling, spoken word, craft, film, discussions, traditional dress, carnivals, events, showcases, talks, readings, etc. •Food heritage: providing opportunities to learn about cultural dishes and how to cook them using local communal kitchens/cafe spaces.

•A market/selling space: for African and Caribbean goods and services

•A showcase of Black history, arts and culture: to be delivered specifically in October in celebration of Black History Month