Creative YOUCreativity is everywhere. Opportunity is not. We are part of the solution. The secret is in our name. Every year Creative Youth Network gives thousands of young people a taste and thirst for the arts and culture and the joy, life-skills and opportunity they bring. But we want more. Creative YOU is our campaign showcasing how we, you and the engaged, emerging and amazing young creatives we support, come together. We want to reveal how, together, we are ambition, quality, cultural democracy and social mobility in action. Every young person deserves the right to access creativity and development opportunities in the creative and cultural industries. It all starts with education. If all young people have access to creative subjects in school, then talented young people from all backgrounds can pursue their passion, develop crucial skills needed in so many industries and improve their wellbeing. 1. Pledge Add your name and join the many people passionate about bringing creativity back into our schools. With all the pledges we’ll be reaching out to headteachers in Bristol and the South West. We hope this will encourage local academies to give more space to creativity in their curriculum. Bristol, being the creative city we know and love, can pave the way for other regions to do the same, showcasing the true value of creativity. PLEDGE 2. Sign up Join us by signing up to our newsletter where we share best practice of how to support young people. sign up 3. Find out more Join us by reading and sharing our CreativeYOU report which shows how our work brings opportunities for creative expression and enables young people to explore their talent, regardless of background or circumstance. Download our Creative YOU report Chantel's Top 6 Things To Do To Celebrate Black History Month I'm Chantel, the Marketing Apprentice at CYN. For Black History Month, I wanted to share some cool things you can do to celebrate black people and culture, right here in our beautiful city 🌸 1. Visit the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery Start your Black History Month journey by visiting the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. They are featuring special exhibitions and showcases dedicated to Black history, art, and culture. JOY Trail is a showcase of the experiences of the young people of Bristol.“Historical Walk: Bristol Abolition” is a walking tour where you can discover the names and places associated with Bristol’s Thousand Year Fight to end the city’s involvement with slavery. It's a great way to learn about the contributions of Black people to the city and beyond. Find out more 2. View John Akomfrah’s Exhibition “Mimesis: African Soldier" The exhibition uncovers the undiscussed story if the Commonwealth soldiers who volunteered to fight in the First World War: the war of their colonial masters. Akomfrah blends archive imagery of African and Asian soldiers at work, digging trenches and fetching and carrying with original, newly filmed footage imagining the men as they leave their parents behind. It's an experience you simply cannot miss Book a slot 3. Attend Talks and Workshops Check out local events and workshops happening throughout the month. Many organisations and community centres host talks, workshops, and panel discussions on Black history, arts, and social issues. Don't miss Dr Michelle Curtis’ talk on “The Historical Representation of Black Womanhood” at the University of Bristol on Wednesday 25th October,1-2 pm. It's free for the general public. It's an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and gain a deeper understanding. Get tickets for Dr Curtis' Talk 4. Immerse yourself in Afro-Caribbean Culture Bristol is a foodie's paradise, and during Black History Month, it's the perfect time to explore Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Some of my personal favorites are "Caribbean Croft" or "Real Habesha restaurant" for a taste of delicious dishes that reflect the city's multicultural flavour. Afrikana is a great halal option. These are all black owned, so you'll be supporting black owned business! 5. Read Black Authors Visit your local library or bookstore and pick up books written by Black authors. Reading works from diverse voices is a wonderful way to celebrate and learn during Black History Month. I would recommend "On Beauty" by Zadie Smith, "Manifesto: On Never Giving Up" Bernardine Evaristo, and books Malorie Blackman. Audible has an amazing selection of black authors to listen from. 6. Go to a Reggae Orchestra Concert Immersing yourself in cultural music is a great way to celebrate black history month. The Bristol Reggae Orchestra is a collective of talented artists who play music inspired by reggae, ska, jazz and classical music. They often play in conjunction with the Windrush Choir to bring some truly amazing pieces of music and they've recently performed at Glastonbury! Have a look at their upcoming shows during Black History Month: Saturday, 14 Oct 2023: TEDx Bath 2023 Thursday, 19 Oct 2023: Malcolm X Elders Black History Month Celebration Saturday, 4 Nov 2023: The Star and Garter Bonfire Night Celebration Black History Month in Bristol is a fantastic opportunity to explore the city's rich tapestry of culture and history. Whether you're into art, food, music, or simply connecting with the community, there's something for everyone. So, get out there, celebrate, and appreciate the contributions of Black people to Bristol and the world. Let's make this Black History Month a memorable one! Manage Cookie Preferences How can we help?