Welcome to Arts Africa UK
Arts Africa UK is the new name for the Africa Consortium UK. Arts Africa UK is a network of individuals, venues and organisations from across the UK and Africa, that are committed to engaging with the performing arts from Africa and the African Diaspora.
To join the mailing list and receive e-bulletins and newsletters please contact us at: info@artsafrica.org.uk
What is Arts Africa UK?
Arts Africa UK exists to encourage and support the exchange of ideas, expertise and best practice among individuals, arts organisations and community organisations in the UK and in Africa. We are committed to celebrating and promoting the performing arts and culture of Africa and the African diaspora (including the United Kingdom, Europe, African America and the Caribbean).
By increasing intercultural knowledge Arts Africa UK looks to foster a better understanding of both the art and the communities from which the art arises, exploring the challenges of a culturally diverse community and combating stereotypes.
How will we carry out these objectives?
- By providing a single source of access to information for those interested in engaging with artists and organisations involved in the performing arts of Africa and the African diaspora.
- By producing a bi-annual news-letter.
- By hosting an events programme with eminent African artists, actors, directors in open forum, which will build knowledge and develop understanding of African performing arts within the community as a whole.
- By acting in an advisory capacity to anyone wishing to work with the performing arts from Africa and its diaspora in the UK and Africa.
- By providing administrative and marketing support that enables companies visiting from Africa and Diaspora to reach the widest possible public.
- By supporting and facilitating performance opportunities to smaller community venues (e.g.. schools, community based arts centres, community halls, youth centres) as well as the larger venues and festivals.
- By developing outreach and education packages, which will encourage better interaction by communities in the UK with African and Black British artists and so counter the popularly held misconceptions about Africa.
- By acting as a partner for providers, community groups, schools, individuals and artists who wish to explore an African context in their work.
- By creating an international community of those interested in the performing arts of Africa and its diaspora
Working in partnership with the British Council, Visiting Arts and Arts Council England is obviously fundamental to the success of this venture and Arts Africa UK will continue to build on these relationships in order that the scope and remit of the network can grow.
We will also collaborate with our colleagues in the UK and overseas, such as The Africa Contemporary Arts Consortium in the US and IETM (Informal European Network) to ensure that Arts Africa UK has the widest possible access to information and opportunities.