We held an online event, In Conversation looking at the creative cultural offer in Southend, which was well attended and really highlighted how many talented creative people are based in Southend and surrounding areas of Essex

The evening consisted of a panel discussion with a cross section of Artists and representatives from Southend including; 

Elsa James – Artist Activist and Filmmaker 

George Cleghorne – Musician 

Dawnette Fessey – Singer (CEO Southend Carers)

Kwesi Johnson – Artist, Dancer, Founder of Cultural Assembly 

Kristina Jackson – CEO SAV’s (Southend Association of Voluntary Services)

Scotty B – Graffiti Artist, Brave One 

EVEWRIGHT – Artist, Tilbury Walkway of Memories

There were  recorded performances, amazing vocals from Misfit 1 and Hannah Notes and spoken word, from the talented future star Carrissa Baxter.

It kicked off with an informal conversation about the Cultural Arts Offer in Southend with interaction and Q&A from interested participants joining us on the night.

We planted the seeds for next year’s culture expo, what we may be able to implement throughout the year and in the run up to next year’s BHM 2021, to give more of a presence and awareness of the contribution of African Caribbean diaspora here in Southend. 

It had an overarching theme of ‘Edutainment’, Educating and informing from the past and how we could shape the future, tapping into the community so the engagement would be reflective of the richness and diversity of Southend.