Gatherings at Wolverhampton Art Gallery and The Herbert Art and Museum

Working in community is a core element of the project and Bennett’s practice. The two sites for the gatherings were also significant; Wolverhampton, because the first National Convention of Black Art took place at Wolverhampton Polytechnic in 1982, and Coventry was where founding members of the BLK Art Group, Eddie Chambers and Keith Piper, had met while studying at Coventry University.

Collaborating with Taskforce is Root Connecting Communities, from Coventry and African Caribbean Community Initiative Wolverhampton, discussions emerged around; what the Commonwealth meant to them collectively as well as individually, institutional racism experienced within the workplace and school, and aspirations for youth in the future. These testimonies formed a central part of the work.

Participants were invited to sessions that took place at The Herbert, Art Gallery and Museum, led by curator Martin Roberts and Wolverhampton Art Galleryled by curator Carol Thompson. During these sessions we were invited into the galleries’ stores to interact with their expansive archives. In Wolverhampton this included works by members of the BLK Art Group. From Marlene Smith’s multimedia works, Keith Pipers large scale drawings, Claudette Johnson’s portraits and Donald Rodney’s sketchbooks. The individuals responded to the works intuitively, articulating how they felt they resonated with ideas of race and identity today and what they meant to them. These sessions which were co-led with participants and were all audio recorded, with much of the conversations and discussions becoming a central part in the film's narrative and soundscape designed by Trevor Mathison.

These gatherings revealed the depth of work held in collections in the Midlands, and their strong support of the BLK Art group and diversifying the work shown in their institutions.

Community Groups
The African Caribbean Community Initiative (ACCI) is a holistic and comprehensive support service for the African Caribbeans affected by mental ill health. Their services include supported housing and advice, day opportunities, facilities and specialist outreach. They also provide an extensive and holistic counselling and therapeutic service, and facilitate a dedicated and proactive Carers’ Support Group.

Taskforce is Root Connecting Communities was established in July 2013. They provide a service to those in the black community who are socially isolated, vulnerable and lonely (but not exclusive to those facing these situations). Taskforce is Root Connecting Communities is committed to providing a unique and culturally supportive service mainly to black elders, by helping to change attitudes and behaviours. Their service is user-led, and continues to strive to reduce social isolation and improve quality of life. They provide practical help and support in promoting the benefits of skills development, health and well-being.