Welcome to Certain Blacks: Celebrating Diverse Arts.
Certain Blacks is an arts development organisation rooted in East London. We are dedicated to supporting diverse artists from various cultural, socio-economic, and ethnic backgrounds. We firmly believe in nurturing long-term relationships with artists, arts organisations, venues, festivals, and promoters, as they are integral to our mission. With a focus on live art, music, theatre, and digital platforms, our goal is to secure lasting investments in diverse works, enabling them to tour and perform not only in the UK but also internationally.
At Certain Blacks, talent development plays a crucial role in our work. We provide emerging artists with professional space and support to showcase their work on a national scale. We understand that individuals from minority communities often face barriers in their creative journeys, experiencing exclusion and limited opportunities. As a brand that represents excellence, we offer a platform for both new and established artists to expand their professional horizons by working in diverse environments and connecting with broader audiences.
Key Milestones
Since our inception in 2015, Certain Blacks has achieved significant milestones:
2015: Foundation – Certain Blacks was established, and we presented the thought-provoking event “My Vote Day Count.”
2016: Arts Ensemble Festival – Inspired by the Arts Ensemble of Chicago’s iconic song “Certain Blacks,” we organised a festival that featured incredible artists such as Franko By, Lady Vendredi, Crying in the Wilderness, and Conundrum. This festival also paved the way for a play set to feature at The Young Vic in 2022.
2017: Harlem Festival – Celebrating the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, this festival showcased exceptional performances including Byron Wallen’s Indigo, featuring poems by Langston Hughes, as well as Crying in the Wilderness’ “Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison. Additionally, we featured works by Shabnam Shabazi, Fancy Chance, and Lyrix Organix.
2018: 101 Creation Centre – Collaborating with Upswing Aerial Theatre, Crying in the Wilderness, Brian Lobell, and individual artists, we developed the Circus Circus Circus project. This program, hosted at the 101 Creation Space, aimed to support the growth of new and diverse circus artists by providing guidance on direction, dramaturgy, and live art approaches.
2019: Ensemble Festival – In partnership with Continental Drifts, supported by The Royal Docks, GLA, and LB Newham, we presented the Ensemble Festival, a vibrant music and performance program. This free outdoor event featured captivating jazz performances by Cleveland Watkiss and Orphy Robinson, alongside stunning circus acts by Symone and Out of Order, two companies developed at the 101 Creation Space. Additionally, we produced Circus Circus Circus, which included hip-hop circus, live art by Brian Lobel, and Jamel Herwood’s “The Privileged.”
2020: Without Walls – We joined Without Walls and became part of its artistic directorate, contributing to the selection and development of artistic content for their projects.
2021: Ensemble Festival Second Edition – This COVID-safe outdoor festival showcased exceptional performances from Without Walls, including Strong Lady, Jason Singh, Simple Cypher, Do what Ya Mama Tells You, and Emergency Exit Arts.
2022: Shipbuilding – Our program based at Hoxton Hall and Rich Mix featured an exciting blend of music, theatre, and performance. Notable artists included Alleyne Dance with “A Night’s Game,” Richard Stamps with “Dick,” Abstract Benna, and Livia Kojo Alour’s “Black Sheep.” We also presented the Ensemble Festival, continuing our tradition of remarkable artistic experiences.
