Why the London Festival of Black Female Voices (background history)

This is the annual showcase event for Black Women in the Arts. It is a unique event that gives unsigned artistes recognition and a platform to expose their work and talent. It is a celebration music, poetry and storytelling. Most of the artistes performing at the event are unknown in the commercial world.

The event exemplifies Black Women in the Arts determination in allowing artistes to learn from each other and to expand themselves professionally.

The Festival is located in March to celebrate the achievements of Black women internationally.

International Women's Week

The history of international Women's Week goes back to the mid 19 th Century and started as a series of campaigns for women's rights. International Women's Day was established in 1910 at the Conference of Socialist Women in Denmark where women from 17 countries voted to establish an international day for women in March. Since then it has grown in popularity and is today truly an international event. It has come to symbolise women's struggle and represents varying issues that cut across social class and cultural boundaries.

Whilst March 8th has become known as the day that marks women's efforts to attain justice and equality, this event has grown and is now celebrated worldwide as international Women's Week.

What is the London Festival of Black Female Voices? ***

An annual event showcasing the work of un-established, semi-established, and established Black female artistes, taking place usually in March

What Art form is showcased?

Singing, poetry and storytelling

The promoter of the event BWA may from time to time invite other art forms to be showcased at the event. If your art form doesn't fall within the categories above and you would like to be considered to perform at the Festival email: festival@blackwomenart.org.uk

Invitation is also extended to specialist traders, if you are a trader and would like to exhibit your products at the event email tradefestival@blackwomenart.org.uk