Today, University of the Arts London (UAL) has launched the Black Creatives Hub – an innovative online space dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the exceptional talents, achievements, and contributions of the University’s Black creative community.
The Black Creatives Hub will provide a collective platform where UAL’s Black community can showcase their work, research and achievements – as well as share information about resources, opportunities and events to empower Black creatives across the UK.
The Hub responds to the underrepresentation of the Black community across creative industries and exists alongside the University’s wider anti-racism strategy and ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic racism within the arts.
It is inspired by feedback from students and staff within the University, which underscored the strong desire for spaces that amplify the voices of Black staff and students, creating an environment that celebrates, supports and empowers the Black community.
The University invites everyone to explore the Hub, engage with its content, and champion Black representation within creative industries.
Professor Kene Igweonu, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of London College of Communication, said “The Black Creatives Hub will allow us to celebrate the diversity of cultures that black people represent here in the UK.
“The hub is a step forward in dismantling negative legacies within creative spaces, providing a platform for Black creatives to showcase their work and talent – and is part of our work to become a university that can be truly described as anti-racist.
“We are really excited to invite everybody to explore the Hub, engage with the content, and champion real representation within our university and the wider creative industries.”
Maureen Salmon, Senior Lecturer for the Design School at London College of Communication, said “For too long, there has been significant underrepresentation for Black creatives in the industry.
“So, the Black Creatives Hub is a timely intervention – creating a space for students and staff to feel a sense of belonging – as well as providing an opportunity to build those key relationships within creative industry communities.”
