Across Africa and the world, contemporary African creatives are taking up increasingly prominent – and political positions. African artists and cultural producers have propelled a global boom in music, film, fashion and contemporary art, driving social change and shifting narratives both at home and abroad.

Our Africa in 2020 flagship event will explore what it means to be an artist and an activist in Africa today. How do creatives respond to political contexts, especially those operating under oppressive regimes? How do they create their own models and ways of organising? What insights can artists share that others cannot? And what will be the major themes that dominate the coming year and decade?

This event is delivered in partnership with the British Council.

London: Tuesday 28th January 2020, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, SOAS, 10 Thornhaugh Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0XG

Edinburgh: Wednesday 29th January 2020, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Edinburgh University, Debating Hall, Third Floor, Teviot Row House, Bristol Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL

Speakers:

• Boitumelo ‘Tumy’ Motsoatsoe – Head of Programmes, Business and Arts, BASA, South Africa
• Makhtar Fall AKA Xumman, Musician/Broadcaster
• Valerie Asiimwe Amani, Artist/Curator
• Ahmed El Attar, Theatre Director, Playwright and Cultural Manager

Tickets: £6 / £10 / Free for RAS members.

Image credit: Design Indaba (c)