Running for three consecutive years, Africa Week was an annual multi-venue cultural festival gathered around Kingsland Street in Dalston, celebrating Africa Day on the 25th of May. The festival involved music, art, talks, food, crafts, and sports, bringing the community together in celebration of African culture.
A festival made by the people, for the people.
A festival made by the people, for the people.
The art direction draws inspiration from traditional weaving patterns used in textiles like Ghanaian Kente, a handwoven cloth by the Akan people, characterised by vibrant colours and geometric patterns, rich with cultural and historical meaning.
With the intention of rooting the festival in its geographical surroundings and echoing the festival’s tagline, “Africa on the Streets of Dalston,” the design draws inspiration from patterns found in local architecture, particularly in street elements like grates.
In respect for the tradition and culture, and mindful of avoiding cultural appropriation, these patterns were further explored during community art workshops, held in collaboration with the Vortex Jazz Club and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. Participants of all ages and backgrounds were invited, during musical afternoons, to create geometric patterns inspired by the local surroundings.
ARTS FOR ALL & COLLECTIVE HEALING: PARTICIPATORY WORKSHOPS
A series of pilot projects, in partnership with Hackney CVS and Paul Hamlyn Foundation, aimed at promoting artistic self-expression for all and highlighting the therapeutic benefits of art. The projects introduce participants to crafts such as music-related artwork creation and geometric pattern design.