Celebrate this year’s Black History Month at The Higgins Bedford with a fascinating exhibition, African and Caribbean Heritage Day, and crafty activities based on African and Caribbean history and culture over the half-term.
‘Paved With Gold’: Bedford’s Windrush Generation Exhibition opens on 6th October 2018 and runs to 24th March 2019. This exhibition highlights the Windrush Generation’s journey to Bedford, and will explore their legacy of endurance and determination through the challenges they faced and the contributions they made to the community. It is completely free to visit.
African and Caribbean Heritage Day returns to The Higgins Bedford on Saturday 27th October, with community stalls and the chance to hear local Windrush stories. There will be music, art and the opportunity to take part in activities and discussions exploring African and Caribbean history and culture.
October’s half term activities are based on African and Caribbean history and culture with craft workshops.
On Tuesday 23rd October, there will be an Adinkra Art workshop with Nubian Teachings; creating spectacular works of arts based on Adinkra visual symbols. Cost- £2.70 per child.
Wednesday 24th October will see a mosaic tiles workshop with Qemamu Mosaics, joining local artist Dionne Ible in creating a Qemamu Mosaic tile to take home. Cost- £5 per child.
On Friday 26th October the ‘Future Self’ workshop invites children to join local artist Kemi Onabule in exploring the exhibition, ‘Paved with Gold’: Bedford’s Windrush Generation. Children will be creating mixed media self-portraits inspired by personal hopes and ambitions. Cost- £2.70 per child.
These workshop will all take place at 11am, 12,30pm and 2pm, are aimed at children aged 5-13 and are unsuitable for children aged 3 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking in advance is recommended as places will go quickly. To book, please purchase a ticket at The Higgins Bedford reception desk. Bookings cannot be taken over the phone or online. Unfilled places will be offered on a first-come, first served basis on the day.
The Higgins Bedford will also be hosting a HipHop Workshop during half term; on Friday 26th October from 11am to 5pm. VyMy Dance & Fitness will be running this hip hop dance and art workshop, giving kids the chance to learn basic hiphop skills and the history behind the style. Cost- £25 for the day, with a 20% discount for siblings. This can be booked online at http://www.vymydance.co.uk/holidaycourses.html
Cllr Sarah-Jayne Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said “The opening of the ‘Paved With Gold’ exhibition is a unique opportunity to hear the stories of those who came to Britain as part of what has become known as the ‘Windrush Generation’. With this and the return of the popular African and Caribbean Heritage Day and a number of half-term activities based around African and Caribbean history and culture, there are a lot of opportunities to learn about and be part of Black History Month 2018.”
