What if your creative journey could connect you to the minds shaping the future of art and culture? What if one day could redefine your path, offering mentorship, resources, and a network of trailblazers? All Shades of Brown: For Creatives is more than an event—it’s a movement for change.

This groundbreaking forum for Global Majority creatives (Black, Asian, and ethnic minority individuals) promises a dynamic day of connection, inspiration, and practical support. Whether you’re an emerging artist, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the creative industries, this is your chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

What’s Happening?

Keynote Speakers

Renowned artists Pogus Caesar and Gaylene Gould bring their decades-long international success stories to the stage. Through an interactive talk, they’ll share the secrets of building meaningful networks, growing a creative practice, and sustaining long-term careers in the arts.

Accessibility Panel Discussion

Join Christopher Samuels and n:u (formerly melissandre varin) as they dive into the crucial topics of accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. Discover how queer and disability politics shape the creative world and impact the capacity of artists to thrive.

Mentorship Sessions

Ready to navigate your career with confidence? Raksha Patel (published artist, writer, and curator, and Senior Lecturer at Camberwell College of Arts) and Saziso Phiri (curator, producer, and creative consultant) will guide you through networking techniques and career strategies in the competitive creative market.

Funding Support

Need funding but unsure where to start? Representatives from Arts Council England and Freelands Foundation will provide a crash course on securing financial backing for your creative projects. Learn what works—and what doesn’t.

Workshops and Breakout Sessions

• Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE: A workshop on performance art, where Jeanefer will showcase her work and guide participants through her creative process.
• Pasha Kincaid: Dive into the world of youth-focused creative workshops and see her artwork on display.
• Create Not Destroy: Witness an interactive art piece come to life during the event.
• Additional workshops hosted by Inspirate, Art Reach, and Image Nova will tackle key topics like funding, mentorship, and accessibility.

Stalls and Exhibitions

Stroll through a vibrant marketplace featuring talented creatives and organisations. Connect, collaborate, and purchase unique pieces of art while exploring an exhibition showcasing the work of local, emerging, and established artists. Special performances will further highlight the Midlands’ artistic vibrancy.

Why You Should Attend

Did you know that less than 12% of the UK’s creative industry is represented by Black, Asian, and ethnic minority professionals, with only 4.8% in senior roles? All Shades of Brown is here to change that. We’re equipping creatives with the tools, mentorship, and connections to break through barriers and cultivate lasting success.

Whether you’re seeking to expand your network, gain expert advice, or share experiences with like-minded individuals, this event is your launchpad to a brighter creative future.

What’s Included:

• Access to all panels, workshops, showcases, exhibitions, and networking sessions.
• An opportunity to showcase your own work (limited slots available).
• Refreshments throughout the day.

Event Details:

• Admission: £20
• Date: Thursday, 27 February 2025
• Time: 10 am – 5 pm
• Location: The Venue @ DMU, Leicester

Showcase Your Work

If you’re a creative or represent a creative organisation and want to showcase your work at All Shades of Brown, submit your work and a personal bio to info@opal22.co.uk with the subject line “All Shades of Brown: Exhibition Submission.” Spaces are limited, so act fast.

Be Part of the Change

All Shades of Brown isn’t just an event—it’s a call to action. With keynote speakers, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, this forum creates an inclusive space where creativity thrives and connections flourish. Let’s Connect, Create, and Cultivate a more inclusive creative industry.

Book your ticket now and join the movement. The future of the arts needs your voice.

Opal22 Arts and Edutainment launched this year’s Black History Month celebrations with a sophisticated and empowering black-tie launch night, setting the stage for a month of reflection, connection, and inspiration. The evening opened with a libation ceremony led by poet David ‘Stickman’ Higgins, whose poetry and chose of words laid a foundation of respect and unity throughout the evening.

Professor Hakim Adi, the UK’s first Black Professor of History and an award-winning historian, delivered a powerful keynote that illuminated the often-overlooked figures of Black British history. He skilfully guided the audience through centuries of remarkable achievements, highlighting the enduring contributions and legacies of those who came before us, and the ongoing struggle for Black rights.

Sharing the stage, Akyaaba Addai-Sebbo, the founder of Black History Month in the UK, reflected on the pivotal moment in his life that sparked his drive to create change in the UK. He shared that Black History Month was primarily designed to give young Black children the opportunity to celebrate their heritage, recognise their worth, and embrace their identity, despite the challenges and misconceptions they may face. With deep sincerity, he issued a heartfelt call to continue striving for empowerment and recognition for all.

The celebration of Black artistry and creativity brought the evening to life with performances that left the audience spellbound. The Birmingham-based band KZAM filled the room with their soulful rhythms and vibrant melodies, while poet Ty’rone Haughton’s evocative spoken word performance wove a tapestry of struggle, triumph, and pride, striking a chord with every heart in the room

This launch was more than an event; it was a masterpiece of cultural affirmation—a testament to the richness of Black heritage and the boundless possibilities of unity. As the evening drew to a close, attendees carried with them not just inspiration, but a renewed commitment to honoUring history, celebrating identity, and championing progress.

To watch a recap of this inspiring event, click here

 

Opal22 Arts and Edutainment, in partnership with the Stephen Lawrence Research Centre, is proud to launch the Culture Comics: Graphic Novel Competition. This nationwide initiative invites young people aged 12–18 to unleash their creativity by crafting original stories and graphics. Through two thought-provoking prompts, the competition aims to explore young people’s perceptions of Black culture while offering an educational platform to celebrate its richness on a national scale.

Meet the Judge
The competition will be judged by Bobby Joseph, a pioneering comic creator and the UK’s first Comics Laureate of colour. Renowned for his iconic works, including Skank Magazine and Scotland Yardie, Bobby’s influence extends to academia, where his graphic novel became the first of its kind studied in an English Literature MA course at King’s College London. His inspiring storytelling makes him the perfect mentor for this competition.

 

About the Competition
Participants will create original graphic stories inspired by themes relevant to today’s society.

For ages 12–15: Answer the prompt “Black Culture is…” Show us what Black culture means to you—whether it’s ancient mythology, unforgettable tales, or the funniest story you’ve ever heard. Let your imagination run wild!
For ages 16–18: Answer the question “Why Vote?” Show us why voting matters. From campaigning for a National Ice Cream Day to advocating meaningful political change—make your case with creativity!

Prizes & Opportunities

The top 50 creators will:

• Attend an exclusive workshop with Comics Laureate Bobby Joseph in Leicester.
• Have their submissions published in a Graphic Novel Anthology.
• See their work displayed in a public exhibition in Leicester.

Entry Requirements

• Eligibility: Open to ages 12–18 across the UK.

Submission Guidelines:

• Entries must be no longer than two A4 pages.
• Only one submission per participant.
• Accepted formats: PDF, JPEG, or PNG.
• Use any medium: pencils, pens, stick figures, or digital software.
• AI-generated content will not be accepted.

Submit Your Work Here

Postal Submissions:

Address to:

Opal22

Studio 9, Phoenix Studios

253–255 Belgrave Gate

Leicester, LE1 3HU

Timeline:

• Competition opens: 1st December 2024
• Deadline for submissions: 2nd March 2025

What’s Next?
The competition officially launches on 1st December 2024, and we can’t wait to see what stories young creators bring to life.
Templates and guidelines will be made available to help participants get started, and entries can be submitted either digitally or by post.

For more information or to download templates, email us at info@opal22.co.uk. Let’s celebrate creativity, culture, and the power of young voices together!

Download the school pack Here

Download Comic Strip Templates Here

Submission Portal 

Funded by National Lottery Community Fund & Arts Council England

On Tuesday 16th May 2023, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh visited the African Caribbean Centre, Highfields, Leicester.

It was a Royal affair coordinated by Marcia Brown which saw community groups, leaders and members share space with the newly appointed Duke of Edinburgh. In true African Caribbean style His Royal Highness was welcomed to the sound of steel pan beating away. Members of Contrast Steel Pan gave a warm welcome as His Royal Highness made his way through the cafe and reception area. HRH Prince Edward took timeout to visit the crafts workshop taking place on the ground floor before being welcomed into the main hall up stairs.

Poet, The Orator and Singer, Morgan Munroe performed a collaboration on an original poem entitled History. Youth Music programme, Remit was in attendance to show HRH Prince Edward how to DJ their favourite songs with the Prince taking real interest!

Marcia and Alvin from the African Caribbean Centre guided HRH Prince Edward around the hall, introducing him to various groups and projects affiliated with the centre. Two university students responsible for assisting the delivery of the Windrush Compensation Scheme in the local area spoke to HRH Prince Edward about the scheme, and how we had come to be in such mess. It was refreshing to see a positive response to what can sometimes be a difficult conversation. HRH Prince Edward commented ‘why is it that politicians don’t seem to read history books?’ something that received a collective ‘uhmm’ and nodding of heads.

Morgan Munroe and Boston ‘The Orator’ Williams were introduced by Marcia as Opal22. The Orator gave an overview of the organisation and its aims. The conversation that followed covered subjects from the origins of the Met police to HRH Prince Edward’s most recent trips to the Caribbean. Shortly after speaking with Opal22 HRH Prince Edward concluded his trip to Leicester. Roads were once again blocked, people lined the streets to get a view and HRH Prince Edward (and the secret service of course) headed back towards the capital.

We hope he was sent on his way with the finest rum punch and a belly full of good caribbean food!

Follow us across our social media channels to see when pictures will be released.

 

https://linktr.ee/opal22

Instagram: @opal22artsanded

Twitter: @opal22artsanded