Creative hub launched for artists of African origin

An online platform has been launched to offer courses, workshops and events for artists of African origin.

Utopia Theatre, which works to promote awareness of African culture, has partnered with Sheffield Theatres to launch the Creative Hub.

The online platform, which will run a six month-long free programme, has been launched with support from Arts Council England’s Covid-19 emergency fund.

It aims to give black artists greater visibility and strengthen black African communities within the arts.

The Creative Hub will provide paid work for more than 30 freelance artists, who will offer free courses, workshops, talks and one-to-one sessions for people of African origin aged 16 and above.

Courses include intensive weekly classes in directing, stage management, playwriting, dance, drumming, acting, storytelling, voice, movement, improvisation and devising.

Moji Elufowoju, founder and artistic director at Utopia Theatre, said: "The Creative Hub ensures black artists continue to have income and remain visible as they continue to develop their craft and enhance the lives of the people in our community.

"This outlet enables people to engage with art and learn from some of the leading professionals in our industry.”

Max Farrar, chair of Utopia Theatre’s board, added: “There’s a vast amount of artistic talent among the peoples of African descent in the UK today.

"They bring new ideas, new techniques and new stories, enriching the nation’s culture. But they get too little exposure, and there are too many barriers in developing the talents of the younger generation.

"This innovative programme by Utopia Theatre addresses these issues. It will develop creativity and inject joy - much-needed in these difficult times."

Utopia Theatre is a resident company at Sheffield Theatres, whose artistic director Robert Hastie said: “The diversity of our sector has never been more important and we recognise the urgent need to do more.

"As we move towards theatre’s return, the Creative Hub will make a huge difference to the visibility and inclusion of black artists and creatives. Sheffield Theatres is proud to partner with Utopia to support this programme."

The Creative Hub will launch on June 29, with further details of the programme to be announced in the coming weeks.