As Wandsworth gears up to become The Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture 2025, the borough is celebrating Black History 365 with an ambitious new programme of community-focused, cultural, arts and heritage-based activities and events.

Wandsworth’s third year of Black History 365 cultural commissioning will support eight incredible creative projects to happen across borough between now and June 2025. Each of the commissions have received up to £2,000 to develop and deliver their ideas, with later events to land during Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture year, which kicks off in April 2025.

The council’s Black History 365 cultural commissions are designed for residents of African and Caribbean heritage to engage in cultural activity that is meaningful and relevant to them, as well as allow the wider community to better understand the histories of their neighbours. Artists of African and Caribbean heritage and Black-led organisations were particularly encouraged to apply, as part of a wider invitation to contribute to the cultural agenda of the borough.

“Each October Wandsworth Council celebrates Black History Month with a brilliant programme of events, but we also believe African and Caribbean history, culture and heritage should be celebrated all year round.Our second year of Black History 365 cultural commissioning will share the talents, stories and experiences of the African and Caribbean diaspora from September 2024 to July 2025, building on the success and scale of 2023’s programme. Kicking off in April 2025, Wandsworth will be The Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture, and celebrating the rich diversity of our borough is at the heart of our London Borough of Culture vision” says Councillor Kemi Akinola, Wandsworth Council’s Deputy Leader and cabinet member for the voluntary sector, business engagement and culture.

What’s On: Wandsworth’s Black History 365 cultural commissions

Fée Uhssi

The African Fashion and Textiles Experience: Part 2

September 2024 – May 2025

First commissioned as part of Wandsworth Council’s Black History 365 programme in 2023, The African Fashion & Textiles Experience: Part 2 continues to explore Black and African fashion’s vibrant history and its profound cultural significance. Through a series of six engaging workshops at the Yvonne Carr Centre, participants will embark on a journey of discovery, gaining a deeper appreciation for the diverse textile techniques employed throughout the continent and the rich symbolism embedded within them. The workshops will foster a sense of self-expression and cultural awareness through a blend of hands-on activities that incorporate fashion design, upcycling techniques, block printing, fashion photography, colour therapy and Fée Uhssi’s Art of Fashion Wrapping. The workshops will culminate in a showcase of pieces created by participants, alongside an exclusive collection of textile and fashion art created by Fée Uhssi.

Fée Uhssi is a multifaceted creative force based in Wandsworth. As a fashion designer, artist, therapist, and community activist, she weaves together a rich tapestry of influences. Her passion for ethical fashion and cultural preservation is evident in her designs, which are inspired by traditional textiles from Africa and around the world. She uses her talents to empower others through art, fashion, and community projects that promote self-expression, sustainability, and well-being. Whether creating wearable art, leading workshops, or organizing events, Fée Uhssi’s work fosters a sense of unity and celebrates diversity.

Monthly workshops will run between 14 September 2024 and 5 April 2025, 2.30pm, with a final event in May 2025.

Book via Eventbrite | Fée Uhssi on Instagram |  theartoffashionwrapping.com

Pointe Black

Pointe Black Celebrates: Our Windrush Story

October – November 2024

Pointe Black’s young ballerinas (aged 18 months – 15 years) will celebrate the journey of the Windrush generation, who travelled from Jamaica to the UK to help rebuild Britan after the Second World War. Pointe Black’s Afro-Caribbean ballet style will explore a world of emotions and commend the immeasurable contributions this generation made to help shape Britain today.

Pointe Black is a ballet company for people of Black heritage, providing a place for the Black community to be ballerinas without discrimination or judgment, whilst campaigning for racial equity in the art. Dancers start from 18 months old, and have no age ceiling, celebrating that ballet is for everyBODY. Pointe Black’s young ballerinas attend classes at Caius House in Battersea each Saturday and will perform Our Windrush Story at Southfields Academy on Saturday 26th October & Saturday 2nd November.

Pointe Black on Instagram | Pointe Black Website

Rebel Tales Theatre

Windrush Adventures

21 & 24 October 2024

Dawn is very excited to be going on a big ship with her Auntie Lin to England. Soon she’ll be at a new school, make some new friends and see her mum again! Sing and dance along with Dawn, from Jamaica to England!

In this interactive show for 4 to 8 year-olds, children will be invited to sing along to traditional and original songs as well as take part in craft activities, related to themes within the performance.

Rebel Tales Theatre make children’s community theatre filled with fun, catchy rhythms and music. They are writer, actor and director Paula David, whose most recent work is Journey To Freedom for Pleasance Theatre, and Laura Sampson, performance storyteller and author of Enchanted Tales. Paula and Laura first worked together for Discover Children’s Story Centre in Newham. Now they make community-focused plays and storytimes of their own.

Windrush Adventures will be performed at the R.O.S.E Community Clubroom, North Battersea on Mon 21 October [HH1] and at Wandsworth Town Library on Thu 24 October.

Rebel Tales Theatre website

Vibesquad Sound

The SW Sound System Legacy

October 2024 – June 2025

A deep dive into the history of Battersea and Wandsworth’s sound system culture, exploring its positive influence on the local Black community, with Vibesquad Sound.

Battersea brothers Marvin, Ian and Leon Clarke are the DJs, sound engineers and musicians behind Vibesquad Sound. They proudly continue the legacy of their dad and uncle who were part of the first sound system generation, bringing Jamaican musical culture to the underground London scene in the 1970s.

The SW Sound System Legacy project highlights the role of sound systems in fostering cultural preservation, integration and community cohesion through: a workshop series providing hands-on experience in sound engineering and DJing skills, giving participants a chance to learn from the community’s experienced practitioners; a documentary film chronicling the history and evolution of the area’s sound system scene, featuring interviews with key figures and participants from the workshops; and a vibrant celebratory event serving as a culmination of the project.

Marvin, Ian and Leon Clarke have been DJing and organising music in their community – including street parties, family fun days, musical performances and art shows – for over 20 years. They have extensive experience working with the community as youth workers and facilitate workshops and activities to promote empowerment. They have a real passion for music and love to share the history and diversity of Afro-Caribbean music and promote togetherness through music.

(Dates and venues for activity are TBC but will run between October 2024 and May 2025.)

Black Heroes Foundation

Black Heroes® Soul Food Café at All Saints Church Tooting

January 2025

Black Heroes Foundation bring their monthly Black Heroes Soul Food Café to All Saints Church, Tooting. On Friday 17 January 2025, Windrush Elders and their families are invited to a celebration of African and Caribbean community and history with singing, dancing, spoken word and an open mic.

Black Heroes Foundation is a community-based organisation for the development and promotion of talent, together with cultural and artistic initiatives in the community focusing on youth, education, training, personal development and social mobility. BHF use the arts to celebrate Black Heroes, reflecting the contributions people of colour have made to local and world history.

Black Heroes Foundation website | Black Heroes Foundation events on Eventbrite | BHF on Twitter

Nzinga Dance

Roots & Branches

March 2025

Explore and enjoy African and Caribbean cultural dances with Nzinga Dance. Learn specific dances and gain an insight into the significance of dance in African and Caribbean history and culture – for empowerment, resistance, unity and community.

Upbeat Soca and Zouk dance classes celebrate social and Carnival Mas dance styles and will also touch upon the Calypso dance and music that came before Soca.

Nzinga Dance will deliver six dance workshops across two consecutive Saturdays at Chestnut Grove Academy in Balham. On Saturday 8 March 2025, celebrate International Women’s’ Day with a women-only Caribbean Cultural Dance workshop, followed by a Caribbean Cultural Dance of the Creole Caribbean workshop for over 55s, ending with a Soca Zouk Groove workshop for everybody. On Saturday 15 March, Nzinga will offer three African Dance workshops for children (6-12), young people (13-19) and adults (18+).

Nzinga Dance is a London-based community arts organisation with a focus on African and Caribbean dance, historical and modern. They deliver classes, courses and residencies for schools, colleges and universities, libraries and museums, festivals and more. Dance styles include Caribbean Cultural, African Cultural, Afrobeats, Kuduro, Samba, Soca, Jazz, and more. Nzinga Dance have taught and performed at The Royal Festival Hall, The National Trust, The British Museum, V&A Museum, V&A Museum of Childhood, Museum of Docklands, Tate Modern, The National Gallery and many more, as well as regularly appearing at Windrush and Black History Month events.

Further info & bookings: [email protected] | Nzinga Dance Website | Nzinga Dance Instagram | Nzinga Dance on Facebook

A2ndvoice CIC

Wandsworth Autism Cultural Experience Fayre

April 2025

A2ndvoice CIC will host the first Wandsworth Autism Cultural Experience Fayre as part of World Autism Acceptance Week in April 2025 at Tooting Leisure Centre. Bringing together a range of local and national autism and SEND providers, the programme will offer workshops, sensory play, arts and crafts, mini workshops and interactive sessions through music, dance and canvas painting. The events will celebrate and amplify the cultures and collective perspectives of Wandsworth’s autistic families and adult residents through film, photography and food.

A2ndvoice CIC is a not-for-profit organisation supporting autistic people and their families, raising awareness and understanding through events and seasonal programs hosted throughout the year, and working within global majority communities in South London to tackle taboos and myths around Autism.

A2ndvoice CIC website

Intergenerational Music Making

Melodies of Heritage: Bridging Generations

September 2024 – October 2025

An inspiring initiative celebrating African and Caribbean heritage through intergenerational music-making workshops in Wandsworth. This year-round project features workshops across four care homes in Tooting, Battersea, Wandsworth Town and Putney, fostering connections between care home residents, school students, volunteers, and staff. Participants will share cultural histories, collaborative songwriting, and music skill-building, culminating in four vibrant celebratory events, celebrating Black History throughout the year.

Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) is dedicated to fostering connections and cultural understanding through the power of music. Their partnerships with schools, care homes, and community organisations across Wandsworth aim to celebrate diverse heritages, empower participants, and create lasting intergenerational bonds.

Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) website | IMM on Instagram

Header image: Pointe Black, photo by Alishia Abodunde

Black History Month at Southside, featuring Wandsworth’s BH365 commissioned artists past and present

• 1-31 October | Kay Rufai‘s S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys photography exhibition returns to Wandsworth and will be on display in the Upper Mall.
• 24 – 27 October | Black heritage themed food stalls on the Piazza.
• 24 – 27 October | Black-owned market around the seating area near Waitrose.
• 26 October, 3.30pm | Fée Uhssi puts on a fashion show with DJs from Vibe Squad in the Upper Mall.
• 30 October | Pointe Black Celebrates: Our Windrush Story performances at 1pm and 3pm.