All Shades of Brown the Creative Conference
On a vibrant day in February, Leicester became a kaleidoscope of colour, culture, and creativity as we hosted All Shades of Brown, an extraordinary and first of its kind creative conference celebrating the rich tapestry of Black and Brown artists in the East Midlands. But the event was so much more than just a conference, it was a powerful reminder of the often overlooked contributions Global Ethnic Majority creatives make, and of the wealth of artistry the Midlands can offer!
Held at DMU’s The Venue, the day brought together visual artists, designers, filmmakers, performers, and cultural workers for a full programme of learning, connection, and celebration. The atmosphere? Electric. The energy? Unmatched.
From the moment the doors opened, the building pulsed with creativity. Panels and keynotes hosted by cultural leaders like Pogus Caesar, Gaylene Gould, and Saziso Phiri shared stories of perseverance, artistic integrity, and building careers in spaces not made for us. Topics ranged from funding and sustainability to accessibility and mentorship, giving attendees both inspiration and practical tools to thrive.
In the workshops, knowledge flowed freely. From Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE’s pitch masterclass to Kino Bino’s guide to navigating the animation industry, every session was about empowerment. How to create, how to sustain, and crucially, how not to go broke while doing it.
And it wasn’t just talk. Live performances ran throughout the day, including Black Victorians, a powerful blend of dance and historical storytelling; Create Not Destroy, an evolving live art piece; and Apittame Arts with Imani Wenham’s striking poetry. When talking about Carnival, Donna Briscoe-Greene reminded us that culture and business are not mutually exclusive, they’re intertwined.
The exhibition space showcased stunning works from Midlands-based artists, each one a reflection of heritage, imagination, and voice. Meanwhile, the marketplace buzzed with creatives selling art, sharing ideas, and making real connections. The sense of empowerment was strong, whether chatting at stalls, diving into 1-1 surgeries with Art Reach and Arts Council England, or meeting future collaborators.
All Shades of Brown was a seed planted in fertile ground, rooted in solidarity, watered by collaboration, and growing into a future where all creatives, of all shades, can thrive.
To everyone who showed up, shared, supported, and inspired: thank you. You made this moment unforgettable.
Check out the All Shades of Brown overview video !