African Storytelling Fiesta: A journey into African Knowledges

Brighton Festival has begun

Following up on our Brighton Festival special issue, we wanted to bring you all the latest on the University of Sussex's part in the largest annual curated multi-arts festival in England.

Our Festival of Ideas is an engaging and dynamic programme of talks, events and activities led by students and staff from School of Media Arts and Humanities. The series aims to fashion new ways of thinking about the past, present and future.

Six events from the series are part of the official Brighton Festival programme! Taking place throughout May.

In the run up to the festival, students hosted a week of Festival of Ideas events exclusively for staff and students on campus. They delivered a mix of talks, workshops, round tables and performances, all events were free to attend.

Here are some highlights.

Events included:

African Storytelling Fiesta: A journey into African Knowledges: Chevening Scholar and writer Namse Udosen led an evening of storytelling and discussion with guest speakers including one of Africa’s foremost performance poets, Bash Amuneni!

Curating Conflict: curator talk & exhibition in library: Dr Aleema Gray, curator of the Black British Music exhibition at the British Library spoke about the exigencies of curating exhibitions. Staff and students could also participate by sending in 5 objects to be displayed in the library.

Do Your Own Thing: Musician and artist Richard Phoenix spoke about his work, including the ‘best underground arts scene you’ve never heard of’, Do Your Own Thing, a project run by learning disability arts organisation Heart n Soul.

Letterpress Masterclass & Publication Launch: Did you know that Sussex University has a working printing press that is being used to create unique publications? Richard Lawrence gave a letterpress masterclass, this was followed by a Book/Zine launch. We shared Student Blogger Jenny's experience in our Brighton Festival special.

Who’s that next to you: this interactive session was facilitated by student Manasi Barmecha. It aimed to help people reconnect with themselves and each other in ways that were fun, different, and meaningful.

Don’t miss what’s left to come! we give you exclusive access to the programme, including special ticket offers! See offers