The Barbican’s Project a Black Planet Explores Pan-African Culture Through Art and Music

As much as a heavy, important topic this is, the centre is committed to making it as engaging and fun as possible. It is a celebration after all, isn’t it? Less of a history lesson, and more of an immersive programme, Project a Black Planet has events combining Creole culture in Cape Verse, to reggae and dub music in the Caribbean, to the BLM resurgence in the UK. The events culminate in Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica, an installation of over 300 works from Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, North America and Europe.

Alongside the art installation, there’s a dedicated film programme and musical events, kicking off with a project from reggae and dub producer Lee “Scratch” Perry and electronic duo Mouse on Mars, before a host of orchestral, gospel and jazz concerts. If that wasn’t immersive enough, there’s a special edition of the Barbican’s late-night dance series, anyone can dance, and a Carnival Costume Making Workshop. Of course, you’d need somewhere to wear said costume, so naturally there’s a Carnival Dance Workshop, too, perfect for prepping those moves for the late-night event.