'Black Tides' | An Invitation | Building Takeover

** Please note advance tickets to this event are now sold out, however should you wish to purchase on the day, at the door, you will be charged the Solidarity Price **

There is a long-standing myth that Black people and swimming do not mix.

The myth is so deep-seated that there are bodies of scholarly work dedicated to the narrative. The result of this long-standing stereotype can have negative ramifications across generations.

But what if we disrupt these narratives and remember our ancestral connections to water? How do we revive our relationships to one of life’s most essential building blocks? And what role can art play in this work of repair, reconnection, and remembering?

Inspired by her multi-award winning play, 'Swim, Aunty, Swim!', join us on Saturday 12th July for a building takeover, curated and produced by award-winning writer, playwright, producer and curator, Siana Bangura.

Expect panel talks, workshops, food, music, a marketplace full of Black women-owned businesses (co-curated with Birmingham’s own YACreates), and a poetry event to close the evening out, bringing together work inspired by water, from writers of West African and South Asian descent.

There will also be opportunities to learn more about how you can (re)start your swimming journey and reconnect with blue spaces.

Programme Details:

Doors to the cafe officially open at 12pm (with the yoga workshop beginning at 11.30am in our upstairs space).

Panels at BRIG Cafe:

Panel 1: ‘BLACK TIDES’ | A Conversation

Facilitated by Siana Bangura

Featuring:

• Olivia Smart, 'Black Stroke'

• Somebody Jones, 'How I Learned to Swim'

• Abbie Mumbi, Oxford-based Swimming Instructor

Panel 2: ‘We Speak in Many Tongues’ | A Conversation

Facilitated by Siana Bangura

Featuring:

• Anni Domingo, Breaking the Maafa Chain

• Lucie Lutte, Limitless

Workshop programme in Fatu’s Lounge:

Workshop 1: Yoga @ Fatu’s Lounge with Natalia Levene | 11.30am - 12.30pm

Join us for morning yoga & wellbeing. This session is a womxn only space (The term 'womxn' is inclusive of cis, trans, and non-binary individuals)

Workshop 2: Community Circle: Global Majority Women Breaking the Mould @ Fatu’s Lounge with Trisha Chauhan-Baiden (Level Up London) & Dr. Aziza Sesay (Talks with Dr Sesay) | 3pm - 4.15pm

Join an afternoon community circle focused on Global Majority Women breaking the Mould. This session is a womxn only space for Global Majority womxn (The term 'womxn' is inclusive of cis, trans, and non-binary individuals)

Workshop 3: Creative Writing Workshop @ Fatu’s Lounge with afshan d'souza-lodhi | 4.45pm - 6pm

Join an afternoon writing workshop inspired by the theme of water, and let your creativity flow. All are welcome to book and attend.

All workshops are FREE and included within your ‘Black Tides’ event ticket. When booking your event ticket, please also select your chosen workshop to attend.

Contact heya@sianabangura.com with any queries or if any issues.

'Black & Brown Tides' | Poetry Evening at BRIG Cafe:

Join us from 7pm - 9pm to enjoy some marvellous poetry inspired by the theme of water and Black and Brown connections to its everlasting wonder.

Our visiting poets are:

• Shareefa Energy (Leicester)

• Abu Yillah (London)

• afshan d'souza-lodhi (Manchester)

• Adeola Carew (Southampton)

And you can also expect an open mic - a chance for our audience to hop on stage and wow us!

The event will be hosted by ‘Black Tides’ curator and producer, Siana Bangura.

What else can you expect?

• An exclusive première of Siana Bangura’s new poetic short film, ‘The Waves’ - a stunning work of art featuring Anni Domingo and Karlina Grace-Paseda

• A film room screening films inspired by Black people’s connection to water throughout the day

• ‘The Waves’ exhibition

• Vibes from DJ S’Jai of Pass the Aux UK

• Ama’s African Market running from 12pm - 6pm selling wares by local Black-women owned businesses

• Food at Blessing’s Kitchen, provided by Shally’s Delight (served between 12pm - 3.30pm on a first-come-first-served basis)

• Opportunities to discuss your swimming journey with Abbie Mumbi, Swimming Instructor , and learn about how you can (re)connect with blue spaces, at any age and any stage of life

And of course the opportunity to connect in good company!

Book your tickets and spread the word! This event is not to be missed!

**BRIG Cafe is wheelchair accessible and there is a lift within the Friends of the Earth building to access upstairs spaces. Please email heya@sianabangura.com with any venue accessibility questions.**

Follow: @sianabanguraproductions on Instagram for more updates.