Black History Month is celebrated across October in the UK, but we think African and Caribbean history, culture and heritage should be celebrated all year round, so, in addition to extensive programme of events in October, we’re launching Black History 365 for our second year.

We will be sharing the stories and experiences of people of African or Caribbean heritage who live, work or study in the borough to recognise the outstanding contribution that people of the African diaspora have made in shaping our borough.

Our goals:

• For artists of African and Caribbean heritage and/or Black-led organisations to contribute to the cultural agenda of the borough;
• For residents of African and Caribbean heritage to engage in cultural activity that is meaningful and relevant to them;
• For the wider community to better understand the histories of fellow residents, colleagues and students making a positive difference in Wandsworth, and be inspired by them.

We are seeking proposals from organisations that can deliver community focused, cultural, arts, and heritage-based activities and events. We are able to offer commission fees of between £500 and £2,000 (excluding VAT) to support the development of content or programming for Black History 365 between July 2024 and June 2025.

Deadline for applications is Mon 13 May 2024 at 10am

Priority will be given to proposals which demonstrate the following:

• Close alignment with African or Caribbean history, culture and heritage
• A strong focus on arts, culture and heritage
• Delivery by an organisation whose strategic plans involve engaging with the borough and its residents over the mid to long term
• Live events must take place within the borough
• All projects must have participatory elements and demonstrate targeting and engagement with Wandsworth communities
• Clear benefits to the local community e.g. through participation, enjoyment, skills development, health and wellbeing improvements, learning, progression routes etc, and how you will demonstrate this
• Value for money
• Target beneficiaries – making specific reference to your target beneficiaries and specify the methods you will use to reach them and how you will measure their engagement.

Ideas Lab for Wandsworth Black History 365: Do you have an idea that you’d like to test and develop? Are you looking for a venue, artists recommendations or community partners? Then join us for this Ideas Lab! Mon, 29 Apr: 10:30am – 11:30am

Wandsworth BH365 and SAHM Micro-Commissions 2024 – Q&A: Do you have questions about the application process for Wandsworth Black History 365 and South-Asian Heritage Month 2024? Join us at this session: Tue, 7 May 2024, 4pm – 5pm

Image: Fée Uhssi: The Art of Fashion Wrapping (a recipient of our first Black History 365 Cultural Commissions (2023-34)