News / Black History
Bristol African Caribbean Culture Space will serve generations to come
A space of celebration, history and “collaboration of excellence” describe the Bristol African Caribbean Culture Space that is being planned by creative power duo Mena Fombo and Mike Jenkins.
Still in the process of hunting for the perfect place – ideally a boat in the Floating Harbour – to host the space, Fombo and Jenkins are inspired to create a “sanctuary of Black excellence”.
Over the last year, more than £34,000 has been raised through a combination of direct donations and grants, a ten-member artist collective has been formed to help with exploring the meaning, ethos and focus of the space: and a ‘Have your Say’ survey has taken place.
is needed now More than ever
The survey has articulated the community’s desire to see an “overdue Black presence” in discussion, creative arts with online and in-person experiences, as well as more attention to Black history embedded in the creative offer.
https://twitter.com/MenaFombo/status/1270372098142330884
“Excellence is a good word to describe the standard, but I honestly believe it’s whatever the word is for more than excellent,” says Fombo, who was named Bristol24/7’s Woman of the Year 2019.
“We still have the same excitement and determination as we do from the first day, and working together with Mike and the Artist Collective are two of the many enjoyable parts of this process.”
African Caribbean Culture Space hopes to showcase Black talent and share their history – photo by Bristol African Caribbean Culture Space
Jenkins adds: “Being able to meet with them and go potential vessels, even during the struggling time of lockdown last year made everything feel all the more real, and what we’re building here is something we believe will serve generations to come.”
“Our long term hope is to create this space of familiarity, a home for black artists from the South West.
“We hope for it to be the new go to place, and for it to bridge gaps of generations, backgrounds and gifting.”
Mena Fombo and Mike Jenkins hope to be able to locate the African Caribbean Culture Space somewhere in Bristol’s docks – photo by Bristol African Caribbean Culture Space
Fombo and Jenkins are currently looking for the right location for the project with support of Bristol City Council, and are working with an architect that has supported then with prototypes.
The space’s confirmed name and a new website should be revealed later this year, with Fombo and Jenkins also holding a call-out for an artists development retreat to take place in the winter for South West and south Wales creatives.
To donate to the cause, visit www.gofundme.com/f/bristol-african-caribbean-culture-space
Main photo courtesy of Mena Fombo and Mike Jenkins
Read more: Paving the way for BAME-led TV in Bristol and the South West
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