Contemporary artists, activists, writers and performers, women’s groups and community organizations present a diverse program of events and exhibitions in galleries, venues, libraries and institutions across East London. The full program is available online at www.alternativearts.org.uk. Here are some highlights:-
Art exhibitions of note include ‘Women & Sport’ – the Women’s History Month Photography Exhibition at the Brady Arts Centre, Alice Neel – ‘Hot Off The Griddle’ at the Barbican Gallery with vivid portraits of characters from New York’s underground, ‘Action, Gesture , Paint – Women Artists & Global Abstraction 1940-70’ featuring 150 artworks by 80 international artists at Whitechapel Gallery, Maria Amidu: ‘Living in Fear of Quicksand’ explores her fragile relationship with her home, at Nunnery Gallery and Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives, ‘Women of Bethnal Green at Work’ photographs by Sarah Ainslie at Oxford House, ‘The Female Gaze – Women in Theater’ photographs by Shelia Burnett documenting radical women’s theater groups of the 1980s at Chats Palace. Sasha Huber: “You Name It” at Autograph examines how colonial histories are imprinted on the landscape.
Live performances are provided by Ballet Black at the Barbican, featuring ballet combined with jazz and blues inspired by Nina Simone. Sarah Jane Morris and the Solis String Quartet presented by Blow the Fuse at St Matthias Church, Purple Moon Drama performs ‘I am Womxn’ – a spoken word evening at the Poplar Union, and the Royal Court Theater which hosts the official launch of ‘If Tits Could Talk’ by Holly McCornish, ‘Arab Women Artists Now Festival’ at Rich Mix, ‘Flies’ by Boundless Theater at Shoreditch Town Hall about girls being looked at by boys, ‘On The Front Line ‘ Featuring Muslim, Jewish and Black Women Writers at Zeleha Cafe, produced by Exiled Writers Ink.
Events & Lectures: A series of courses and workshops at Bishopsgate Institute including an afternoon discussion and screening of the ‘People Make Television’ exhibition at Raven Row Gallery, a presentation of the film ‘I’m Fine – Thanks for Asking’ + Questions and Answers with Kelly Kali at Genesis Cinema, Girlz B Like Club Night at Grow Hackney featuring all female DJs, Oitj-jo Collective launch their community library at Tati Craft Hub, Royal Museums Greenwich celebrate Hackney with a month-long season of free special events, talks and workshops Museum offers a walking tour – “Ayahs & Amahs” in Memory of the Indian and Chinese Nannies of the East Indies (1820s-1940s), Women’s Activism in the 20th Century – Free Talk at the Women’s [email protected], and the Women’s Voices Now Online Film Festival.
The full program is available online at www.alternativearts.org.uk
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH in East London is coordinated by Alternative Arts and supported by Tower Hamlets Council and all the many participating artists and venues.
