The Importance of the Black Community Leading Cultural Projects

The days of appropriation in the cultural sector are over. And if you know someone who still hasn’t got the memo, it’s time for a serious word.

One of the reasons Black USAF is happening, and has secured Arts Council and Essex Cultural Diversity Project money, is because it is not only focusing on Black history, but it's also being led by a project manager of African heritage.

Claiming leadership roles in Culture is essential for all communities, especially underserved communities. Our input and vision shapes events, exhibitions, performances, books, music and community programmes that better and accurately represent a community's unique experiences. And you can only do this if you've had first-hand experience yourself.

Who's producing Black cultural experiences?

Black cultural expression, evolved and celebrated through generations, carries the weight of history, spirituality, and emotion. It's not a plaything.

Our culture is diverse, complex and vibrant, with countless stories, traditions, and art forms to share. But the key question is: who is curating and producing these cultural moments?

Cultural experiences are most powerful when they are led by the people who live them. It’s encouraging to see more funders and investors across the arts, heritage, and wider cultural industries expect organisations to hand over the research, design, and delivery of cultural work to marginalised communities themselves. In fact, similar developments are happening in science innovation and research.

That doesn’t mean allies have no role.

Personally, I welcome collaboration, provided it’s genuine, transparent and equitable. The performative kind – those who position themselves as supporters without deep commitment – tend to be found out eventually.

This shift is both new and necessary in the UK and other so-called developed countries. To help heal the huge divisions between the racists and Global Majority communities, which is literally destroying our culture (the US government's review of the Smithsonian's content about the enslavement of Black people should raise massive red flags, and push us to do better and more cultural projects).

Some institutions and leaders may struggle to let go of power, but it is vital that they embrace the change: hand over the mic, step back from the spotlight, and allow space for authentic representation and practices.

Why is it so important?

So why is this so important in the context of cultural events and programmes?

1. Authenticity prevails: Lived experience brings depth. From exhibitions to festivals, from books to school activities. Only the community - or others with very close experience - can capture the nuances and uncover untold cultural narratives.

2. Stereotypes are dismantled: When cultural events are shaped by the community, they reveal the richness and diversity of our experiences – far beyond outdated clichés. And it's usually a winner with audiences.

3. Cultural preservation is secured: Our traditions, customs and histories are passed on with care and accuracy.

4. Empowerment takes root: Leading our own cultural events fosters pride, strengthens identity, and builds stronger connections with other communities.

5. Fresh perspectives emerge: Authentic representation allows for greater understanding across society, challenging bias and fostering cohesion.

This isn’t simply about putting on an event or producing a performance. It’s about weaving a more truthful tapestry of human experience – one where Black culture is represented with integrity and respect.

Asking the difficult questions

So the next time you attend an exhibition, a festival, a talk, or a performance, ask the producer or another team member: who from the Black community helped to shape this?

If the answer is vague or "no", there's a problem. Often it's unintended exclusion. But sometimes it comes from a superficial place. So it's always worth asking.

 Let's all get on board with asking the difficult questions. Why wouldn’t we all want to experience cultural work which has so much more power to inspire, educate and connect?

Find out more about Black USAF: www.blackusaf.org/about

Email: projectblackusaf@gmail.com.