Conversations with Baldwin: The Welcome Table

Inspired by the writer James Baldwin's own welcome table at his home in St Paul de Vence, which was both a site of replenishment and critical agitation, 'The Welcome Table' is a generative session for cultural workers and artists working to rest, reflect, and consider approaches that can challenge colonial ways of working and in turn centre grassroots practices, decolonisation, and collectivity. 

The session is facilitated by artist and Conversations with Baldwin curator, Heather Marks, and is aimed at anyone working at the intersection of arts and social justice. In the spirit of Baldwin's welcome table, a meal will be provided during the course of this session.

3pm - 4pm: What is coloniality in arts and culture, where do we encounter it?

4pm - 4.30pm: Late lunch with Jikoni

4.30pm - 5.30pm: Radical Imagination Seeds - Provocations from James Baldwin, Bayo Akomolafe, Guppi Bola, and bell hooks.

5.30pm - 6pm: Seeds in Practice.

*Participants have the option of joining a guided tour of Grey Unpleasant Land from 2.15pm - 2.45pm.

'The Welcome Table' takes place in Spike Island's Associate Space and is held in partnership by Words of Colour and Spike Island as part of Conversations with Baldwin, an arts festival celebrating the centenary of the writer James Baldwin (1924 - 1987), produced by Words of Colour in collaboration with partners and funding from Arts Council England.

When: Thursday 12 December, 3pm - 6pm

Where: Spike Island, 133 Cumberland Rd, Bristol BS1 6UX

Access guide to visiting Spike Island HERE.

⭐ WORDS OF COLOUR ⭐

Words of Colour is an award-winning creative change agency that creates alternative pathways and sustainable opportunities for writers, creatives, entrepreneurs and communities of colour to thrive, for unheard stories to be told, and underrepresented talent to shine. www.wordsofcolour.co.uk

Feedback to 2023’s Conversations with Baldwin festival:

‘This was so life-affirming and encouraging… a truly loving, generous space.’

‘An incredible line up of powerful, brave and incredibly creative performers.’

‘So wonderful. So important. The world needs more of this ALL THE TIME.'

⭐ SPIKE ISLAND ⭐

Spike Island supports, produces and presents contemporary art across an 80,000 square foot former industrial building near Bristol’s harbourside. Our artistic programme includes free exhibitions, events and engagement activities taking place on-site and online. The programme champions outstanding work by emerging and underrepresented local, national and international artists, and enhances access to contemporary art and culture for audiences from all backgrounds. www.spikeisland.org.uk