Geraldine Connor Foundation - New Responses To Leeds Black History Walk
Four performance artists were commissioned to create new artistic responses to the already established Leeds Black History Walk. The responses were performed live on two of the walks and filmed versions shared online.
The Geraldine Connor Foundation and Heritage Corner commissioned four performance artists to create new responses to the Leeds Black History Walk, a walk created by Joe Williams around Leeds University campus that explores the African history of Leeds. The four artists performed to the public live on two walks and the performances were filmed and shared via social media.
The four artists who created responses were – Jamal Gerald, Rhemia Robinson, Leah Francis and Asher Jael. The artists chose to respond through spoken word and Asher Jael created a theatrical monologue. It was the first time that GCF had worked with Jamal and Asher. The artists all created work that was original, authentic, and articulated the importance of LBHW in being a gateway to black history in Leeds and the world.
This project enabled GCF to work with both new artists and regular collaborators and all four artists have become Associate Artists at GCF. The project also developed the working relationship between Geraldine Connor Foundation and Heritage Corner and the digital resources/films created will be used to promote and support the work of both organisations. The films have been already been in our Represent project with young people, showcasing the work of artists who are inspired by history.
Geraldine Connor Foundation and Heritage Corner have also gone on to create a new Black history walk at Harewood House.
