What’s Happening
Explore the events and programmes that were part of Brent 2020.
Watch & Listen Online
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BRENT BIENNIAL
Discover the very first Brent Biennial taking art out of the galleries and museums, and into public spaces right across Brent.
THE BRENT ANTHEM
Young people collaborated with musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Brent Music Service in physical and virtual workshops throughout the year, writing lyrics and composing melodies to create this special song as a gift to their home borough. The Brent Anthem represents the kind of united, diverse community we have in Brent and London.
Watch
VENT DOCUMENTARIES #18
In the LAST episode of the FINAL series, Lauren traces the history of prison abolition and contemplates the fact that it is no longer just a theoretical concept. It could really happen.
Listen now
NO BASS LIKE HOME ONLINE FESTIVAL
Streamed on Sun 15 November: Brent 2020’s reggae heritage series reaches a spectacular conclusion with the No Bass Like Home Online Festival – a seven-hour online celebration of reggae culture curated by Seani B and reimagined for a locked-down London.
WATCH
REGGAE ARCHIVE
Explore the Reggae Archive - looking at themes of pioneering artists, fandom, women in Reggae and sound system culture.
ExplorePROGRAMMES
Check out our programme of events, broadcasts and projects
Calendar
Listen, watch, or get involved
RISE
Saturday 18 January, 7pm
The opening spectacle of Brent's year as London Borough of Culture.
Olympic Way, Wembley Park
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Locked In: Mariah Idrissi
7 May 2020
Activist and international model Mariah Idrissi is interviewed by Brent’s Moeed Majeed. Known as the face of modest fashion, Mariah made her name as the first Hijab wearing model for H&M in 2015.
Online
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Locked In: Nikesh Shukla
15 May 2020
Award winning international author Nikesh Shukla is interviewed by Brent’s Moeed Majeed. Born in North Wembley, Brent, Nikesh has written numerous novels for adults and teenagers. His debut novel 'Coconut Limited' was set in Brent. .
Online
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Locked In: Rachel Yankey OBE
22 May 2020
The original Brent superstar of women's football, England and Arsenal legend Rachel Yankey discusses struggling with dyslexia and memories of playing football at Queens Park, Brent.
Online
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Locked In: Ben Smith aka Doc Brown
29 May 2020
Rapper and comedian Ben Smith speaks to Blueprint Collective Member Tyrique about what influenced his music, his first experience of rapping and getting into the music industry.
Online
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Locked In: Marilyn Okoro
5 June 2020
From sneaking out for runs to representing GB at the Olympics - Marilyn discusses growing up in Stonebridge Brent, coping as an athlete in lockdown and being a positive black female role model.
Online
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Locked In: General Levy
12 June 2020
Ragga deejay and Brent legend General Levy discusses bubbling up in Brent against ‘early beef in the hood’, his early career in the music scene & how 34yrs since his first show, he’s still INCREDIBLE.
Online
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Locked In: Andria Zafirakou MBE
19 June 2020
2018 Global Teacher Prize Winner Andria Zafirakou MBE takes us on her teaching journey; from her earliest memory of making art to stepping into eerily quiet school buildings during lockdown.
Online
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Locked In: Bilal Harry Khan
3 July 2020
Over 16k followers & co-host of an award-winning podcast, Neasden-born Bilal Harry Khan discusses growing up in Brent in the 90s and how lockdown has given him perspective.
Online
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Locked In: Ekow Eshun
10 July 2020
Born in Wembley, writer and curator Ekow discusses growing up in 70s Britain, finding a way not to be defined by other’s expectation and putting Black visual culture at the heart of art exhibitions.
Online
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Locked In: Paterson Joseph
17 July 2020
Brent born Paterson Joseph shows how a fascination with history, a hunger for knowledge and his willingness to immerse himself in his character’s circumstances are what really matters.
Online
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Locked In: Guy Gunaratne
24 July 2020
Born in Neasden, author Guy talks about gaining the confidence to not explain or contextualise his writing and how art becomes richer when it’s infused with a mix of cultures, languages and senses.
Online
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Locked In: Ian Duhig
31 July 2020
Kilburn born poet Ian Duhig grew up in a strong Irish community, working alongside some incredible Brent characters who've inspired his work. Named ‘most original poet of his generation' by Carol Ann Duffy.
Online
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Locked In: Jack Dromey
7 August 2020
Born into a proud Irish Brent community, Jack Dromey MP was instrumental in supporting the groundbreaking Grunwick strikes and retells being on the picket lines alongside Jayaben Desai.
Online
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Locked In: Dean Atta
14 August 2020
Born in Brent, author of The Black Flamingo Dean speaks about what it was like for him during lockdown, and how finding his poetry from school has helped him build the characters for his future novels.
Online
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Locked In: Nicolas Kent
21 August 2020
Artistic Director of Brent's Tricycle Theatre (Kiln Theatre) for 30 years, Nick pioneered thought provoking and politically charged productions. He was granted the Freedom of Brent in 2012 for his work.
Online
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Locked In: Elizabeth Anionwu
11 September 2020
Nurse, campaigner and co-founder of the first UK Sickle Cell society, in Brent (Harlesden) in 1979, Dame Elizabeth Anionwu's determination and dedication to the Sickle Cell community earned her the Pride Of Britain 2019 Lifetime Achievement award.
Online
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BRENT BIENNIAL: BRIAN GRIFFITHS, CRICKLEWOOD LIBRARY
13 September 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: SELF – CONSCIOUS is conceived as a parallel lending library of selected books paired with sculptures, the work explores the potential and limitations of the unreliable narrator.
Cricklewood Library, 152 Olive Rd, London NW2 6UY
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BRENT BIENNIAL: DAWN MELLOR, KINGSBURY ROAD
From 19 September 2020
Brent Biennial: The first permanent public artwork by British artist Dawn Mellor: a large-scale mural that will celebrate the life of local hero George Michael, who lived and went to school in Kingsbury.
499 Kingsbury Road, Corner of Winkworths Estate Agent, London NW9 9ED
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YASMIN NICHOLAS: THE CHILDREN OF THE SUGAR
Until 31 Jan 2021
Part of Brent Biennial, Brent-based artist Yasmin Nicholas has developed new collage works ‘The Children of the Sugar’ centering personal and collective histories that form Brent’s identity. Hear her recite her four poems that her collages bring together.
Across the borough
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BRENT BIENNIAL: CARL GABRIEL, PRESTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY
19 September 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: New and existing work by artist Carl Gabriel will be presented at Preston Road Library.
Preston Community Library, Carlton Avenue East, Wembley HA9 8PL
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BRENT BIENNIAL: ABBAS ZAHEDI
From 19 September 2020
Brent Biennial: Soul Refresher is a new commission by London based artist Abbas Zahedi. Through a process of conversations in Brent with invited collaborators the work will explore connections of identity to place and history.
Across the Borough
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BRENT BIENNIAL: DAN MITCHELL, WEMBLEY LIBRARY
19 September 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: Artist Dan Mitchell’s commission will take the form of a large-scale text-based work covering the glass facade of Wembley Public Library housed within the Brent Civic Centre.
Wembley Library, Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley HA9 0FJ
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BRENT BIENNIAL: DAVID BLANDY, HARLESDEN LIBRARY
19 September 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: Artist David Blandy has worked with young people from Capital City Academy and Roundwood Youth Centre to reimagine Harlesden 8000 years from now.
Harlesden Library Plus, 49A Craven Park Road, Harlesden, London NW10 8SE
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BRENT BIENNIAL: ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE (AiR)
N/A these are closed events for schools
Brent Biennial: AiR is delighted to be a recipient of the 2020 Culture Fund and will be producing bespoke art projects through collaboration with five Brent schools.
Schools in Brent
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BRENT BIENNIAL: RASHEED ARAEEN, THE LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN
19 September 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: The Library at Willesden Green presents two large-scale works by artist Rasheed Araeen responding to its physical spaces and its civic role as a space for research, cultural discourse and exchange.
The Library at Willesden Green, 95 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2SF
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BRENT BIENNIAL: RUTH BEALE, KILBURN LIBRARY
19 September 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: ‘The library as memorial’ is a new commission for Kilburn Library. Taking the form of a book dedication, in which books themselves become a way to mark and remember.
Kilburn Library, 42 Salusbury Rd, Queen's Park, London NW6 6NN
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BRENT BIENNIAL: AVANT-GARDENING, BARHAM COMMUNITY LIBRARY
From 19 September 2020
Brent Biennial: At Barham Community Library, Avant-Gardening (Polly Brannan and Paul Green) have explored the rich history of the library, park and the wider local area to craft new stories with schools and local communities.
Barham Community Library, 660 Harrow Rd, Wembley HA0 2HB
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BRENT BIENNIAL: JUDE WACKS
From 19 September 2020
Brent Biennial: A photography project by Jude Wacks documenting local businesses around Brent, celebrating the history, entrepreneurship and community contribution of family firms across the borough.
Online (Instagram)
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BRENT BIENNIAL: JOHN ROGERS, KENSAL RISE LIBRARY
19 September 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: Through walks and talks that invite local residents to contribute their stories, artist John Rogers will produce an audio-visual portrait of the local area surrounding Kensal Rise Library, drawing on people's lived experiences and memories.
Kensal Rise Library, Bathurst Gardens, North Kensington, London NW10 5JA
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BRENT BIENNIAL: IMRAN QURESHI, EALING ROAD LIBRARY
19 September - 13 December 2020
Brent Biennial: Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi’s commission will see a series of site-specific installations situated throughout the Library at Ealing Road, bringing his unique visual language to the public spaces of the library.
Ealing Road Library, Coronet Parade, Ealing Rd, Wembley HA0 4BA
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BRENT BIENNIAL: BARBY ASANTE
19 September 2020 - 31 March 2021
Brent Biennial: Declaration of Independence is an ongoing performance/forum by artist Barby Asante, bringing together womxn* to reflect on how the political affects the personal and how the social, cultural implications of historic declarations, policies and legislations Impact on their everyday lives.
Online (YouTube)
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BRENT BIENNIAL: YASMIN NICHOLAS
22 September 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: Brent based artist Yasmin Nicholas will be developing new collage works that will be presented across the borough.
Displayed on over 50 digital billboards, bus stops and posters in launderettes across Brent.
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RUMAH Fest
26 September 2020, 18:00 - 20:30
RUMAH Fest is a one-day festival to open up spaces for integration amongst Artists from the various Asian Diasporas based in London, supported by Metroland Cultures Fund.
Online (RUMAH’s YouTube Page)
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BRENT BIENNIAL: JAYKOE, THE LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN
1 October 2020 - 31 January 2021
Brent Biennial: Culture Move (Sampled History) is an exhibition by London-based artist Jaykoe. The show explores the history of sampled music in the borough.
The Exhibition Space Brent Museum and Archives in The Library at Willesden Green 95 High Road Willesden London NW10 2SF
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BRENT BIENNIAL: ACTIONSPACE, BARHAM PARK
3 - 4 October 2020, 11:00 - 17:00
Brent Biennial: an exploration of the life experiences of Brent residents with learning disabilities and a celebration of the creativity of Brent's learning disabled community, also highlighting Brent-based studio artists' work from COVID-19 lockdown.
Barham Park, Harrow Rd, Wembley HA0 2HB
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ST MICHAEL’S AND ALL ANGELS STEEL ORCHESTRA
3 – 4 October 2020
Come and watch a group of talented young steel pan players from St Michaels and All Angels steel orchestra performing an eclectic mix of classical, soca, reggae and pop music – all the best tunes from Mozart to Stevie Wonder!
TBC
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BRENT BIENNIAL: CRISIS, HARLESDEN TOWN GARDEN
4 October - 31 December 2020
Brent Biennial: Culture Click 2020 is a bespoke photography based project, tailored to the needs of homeless and vulnerably-housed residents in Brent to promote transferable skills, build social networks and provide opportunities to creatively participate in the Brent 2020 programme.
Harlesden Town Garden, NW10 4BB
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DAVID BLANDY: 8,000 YEARS IN THE FUTURE
12 October 2020, 18:00
Join Brent Biennial artist David Blandy, critic and curator Gabrielle de la Puente, and publisher and curator Sarah Shin as they embark on an online roleplaying game set in Harlesden 8,000 years in the future.
Online (Twitch)
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BRENT BIENNIAL: PIO ABAD, KILBURN
From 16 October 2020
Brent Biennial: Pio Abad’s murals on the Burton Road and Kilburn High Road depict personal, significant and idiosyncratic objects collected from residents that live in the area.
Kilburn High Road, on Burton Road and Willesden Lane
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BEWILDERING BY WILLESDEN JUNCTION POETS
BeWILDering - explore Willesden Junction Station in more depth through words and art, from a collective of poets and artist supported by Brent 2020 Culture Fund.
Willesden Junction
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BRENT BIENNIAL: PAUL PURGAS
Until 29 January 2021
Brent Biennial: Co-commissioned with Camden Art Centre, artist and musician Paul Purgas will present an audio-visual installation exploring the sonic experimentations of India’s first electronic music studio, established at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India.
Metroland Studios (behind Kilburn Market), Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 6JH
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Locked In: Kanya King CBE
9 October 2020
Kilburn born, MOBO Awards Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE has played a major role in bringing Black British music and culture to the mainstream throughout her career.
Online
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TALK: RUTH BEALE AND BRIAN GRIFFITHS IN CONVERSATION
27 October 2020, 18:30
Join artists Ruth Beale and Brian Griffiths as they discuss their commissions for the Brent Biennial, the role libraries play in community making and the threat they face from austerity.
Online (ZOOM)
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TALK: PIO ABAD AND MINERVA CUEVAS IN CONVERSATION
29 October 2020, 19:00
Join artists Pio Abad and Minerva Cuevas as they discuss their artistic practices and Abad's murals commission for the Brent Biennial.
Online
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WORKSHOP: ART SAMPLING WITH JAYKOE
Sat 31 October
Join artist Jaykoe for a free online event where you will create a piece of art work to add to the exhibition Culture Move (Sampled History).
Online
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FASHIONING OUR HISTORY PROGRAMME
1 November 2020 - April 2021
Fashioning Our History are looking for creative, proactive, and committed individuals aged 12-22 to take part in a programme of free workshops and events, and to become part of an exciting network of artists and designers.
Online
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No Bass Like Home University: All Systems Go
Thursday 5 November, 19:00
A discussion exploring the history of pirate radio, its effect on Black British music and its legacy today.
Online (ZOOM)
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NO BASS LIKE HOME UNIVERSITY
Thu 5 - Thu 26 November
No Bass Like Home University is a virtual programme covering the past, present and future of reggae, and its musical and cultural influence on British society. Over four free discussions, leading names in Black British music will be joining us to talk about everything from sound system culture to women in the music industry.
Online
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OUR JOURNEYS
11 November 2020
‘Our Journeys’ is a film about human stories of resilience created by artists Addictive TV, supported by Culture Fund.
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No Bass Like Home University: Sounds Illegal
Thursday 12 November, 19:00
A discussion exploring the history of pirate radio, its effect on Black British music and its legacy today - followed by a Q&A.
Online (ZOOM)
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NO BASS LIKE HOME ONLINE FESTIVAL
Sun 15 November, 12-7pm (GMT) / 7am-2pm (EST)
A seven-hour online celebration of reggae culture curated by Seani B and reimagined for a locked-down London.
Online
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PODCASTS: AVANT-GARDENING
From Mon 16 November 2020
A series of podcasts exploring the local histories of Barham Park in Brent, developed by Avant-Gardening artists’ collective. Their work investigates social spaces, communication and the urban environment.
Online (SoundCloud)
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No Bass Like Home University: Doin’ It for Themselves
Thu 19 Nov
What are the challenges facing Black women looking to make their names in British music today? Join this panel discussion to hear experts talk through their experiences.
Online
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SCREENING: ZIGZAG AFTERLIVES: FILM EXPERIMENTS FROM THE 1960S AND 1970S IN INDIA
Wed 25 November 2020, 19:00
Cultural theorist and curator Nancy Adajania will present a screening programme of experimental films made in India in the 1960s and 1970s.
Online
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SCREENING: ADAM FARAH, B-SIDES
26 November 2020, 19:00
Adam Farah will be streaming a live walk through the city they were born in and the borough they were raised in – London, Brent. During the event they might ask questions of the audience about desires, methodologies, memories, searching and desperation.
Online
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CPD for Brent Educators
1 December 2020, 15:45 – 17:15
An invitation to all teachers and educators who work in the London borough of Brent to co-author a book together.
Online
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T.O.Y / THE OTHER YOUTH
7 December 2020
To The T brings you a brand new short film that seeks to challenge people’s perceptions and prejudices of young people with a focus on the concept of a victim and perpetrator.
Online (YouTube)
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WORD UP LONDON: WORKSHOPS
7 December 2020, 19:00
Word Up is back with a program of workshops and stellar live events online to continue the conversation we started with Harlesden in 2015.
Online
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BRENT BIENNIAL: FOR NOW (HOUSE OF LIFE) WILLESDEN JEWISH CEMETERY
From 8 December 2020
Brent Biennial: Willesden Jewish Cemetery has commissioned FOR NOW to create a sound piece as part of the ‘House of Life’ heritage experience, which opened at the cemetery in September.
Willesden Jewish Cemetery, Beaconsfield Rd, Willesden, London NW10 2JE
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BRENT BIENNIAL: LUCY FINE
From 9 December 2020
Brent Biennial: Local artist, designer and fashion lecturer Lucy Fine will present a curated photography exhibition and book documenting the style of Brent’s vibrant residents.
Online (Instagram)
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BRENT BIENNIAL: INANIMATORZ
10 December 2020
Brent Biennial: Inanimatorz will creatively combine art, motion and metaphor to convey ideas and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Brent by collaborating with Brent based artists such as poet Amanda Epe.
Online (Vimeo)
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BRENT BIENNIAL: ELECTRONIC SHEEP, KILBURN
From 11 December 2020
Brent Biennial: The Kilburn Tapestries is a knitted tapestry, based on the untold stories of the Irish community living in and around Kilburn, Brent.
Online (Instagram)
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GATHERING: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
12 December 2020, 19:00
Live event celebrating the culmination of workshops led by artist Barby Asante as part of Declaration of Independence, an ongoing performance/forum bringing together womxn* from Brent to reflect on how the political affects the personal and how the social, cultural implications of historic declarations, policies and legislations impact on people’s everyday lives.
Online (Via YouTube)
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BASS BOROUGH
From 14 December 2020
Bass Borough is portrait series about the London musicians who have influenced and been influenced by the reggae sound emanating from the record shops, clubs and recording studios of Harlesden, North West London.
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ZADIE SMITH LIVE: LOCKED IN
Wed 16 Dec, 19:00
Brent-born Zadie is one of the finest chroniclers of contemporary London. Still resident in Brent, discover whether where she lives is still important to what she writes and how growing up in the borough has shaped her work and outlook.
Online (YouTube)
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BRENT BIENNIAL: ADAM FARAH
19 December 2020
Brent Biennial: Artist Adam Farah has been invited to develop a new moving image work. The new work will be a personal portrait of the borough.
Online (Via YouTube)
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BRENT BIENNIAL: DHELIA SNOUSSI
Distributed from Tue 22 Dec 2020
Brent Biennial: Artist Dhelia Snoussi’s commission will support a collective process of alternative place making that will explore how we might begin to think about our areas through our lived experiences, relationships and connections as the basis of a new map.
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PODCAST: YASMIN NICHOLAS IN CONVERSATION
20 November 2020
Pre-recorded in conversation with artist Yasmin Nicholas and filmmaker and writer Judah Attille. Giving background and context to Yasmin's Brent Biennial commission and expanding on practices and approaches the two filmmakers share.
Brent
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BRING YOUR OWN BARS POETRY
Mon 11 January 2021, 20:00
Bring Your Own Bars Poetry is an open mic, supported by Brent 2020 Culture Fund, dedicated to showcasing the best of the Spoken Word scene from all around London!
Online via BYOB Socials
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SCREENING AND TALK: THESE DAYS
14 January 2021, 19:00
Screening of a new film by Hydar Dewachi, investigating the themes and concerns behind artist Dan Mitchell’s commission for the Brent Biennial, a large-scale text installation covering the outside of Wembley Library.
Online (via YouTube)
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REVIVAL: THE BRENT COLLECTION
On sale Thur 14 Jan, exhibition March 2022
An unseen archive of photographs, made by Roy Mehta, documenting life in Brent in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
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BRENT BIENNIAL: THE OCTOBER ANTHROPOLOGIST, WILLESDEN GREEN
21 January 2021
Baristas Under Brexit - The October Anthropologist team present their research into the lives of Southern and Eastern European immigrants who work as baristas in London cafe.
Online event, culminating in film
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No Bass Like Home: London Live
From 3 February 2021
For National Reggae Month, highlights from Brent 2020's No Bass Like Home Online Festival will be aired on London Live every Wednesday in February.
London Live
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TALK: ART BY STEALTH, WITH PIO ABAD, BARBY ASANTE AND ABBAS ZAHEDI
Friday 12 February, 18:00
Brent Biennial artists,Pio Abad, Barby Asante and Abbas Zahedi, discuss strategies of engagement with critic Hettie Judah, building on many of the themes Judah addressed in her recent essay ‘Art By Stealth’.
Online (via Zoom)
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QUEER EAST FILM FESTIVAL
Postponed to March 2021 TBC
Queer East Film Festival brings the East and Southeast Asian LGBTQ+ cinema to London, with a fortnight of screenings and events. Find out what it means to be Asian and queer today from the unheard voices of storytellers, activists, academics, and those who dare to challenge social norms, history, and the law in Asia. Supported by Brent 2020 Culture Fund.
Lexi Cinema and online
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GROWN UP IN BRENT: 100 YEARS OF YOUTH CULTURE
April 2021 TBC
What was and is it like growing up in Brent? Supported by Brent 2020 Culture Fund, the Museum of Youth Culture is collecting photographs, ephemera and oral histories to tell the borough’s youth culture story over the last 100 years through the public’s memories.
Brent Civic Centre, Wembley
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PHOTO BOOTH
12 April 2021
A short film about an interracial immigrant couple from Brent celebrating Brent’s rich immigrant history. The screening will be held for residents to learn more about filmmaking and discuss the unique joys and challenges of interracial immigrant relationships.
TBC
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COMMEDIA DELL’BRENT
From 5 May 2021
A drama participatory project using the Italian comical artform of Commedia dell’Arte, supported by Brent 2020 Culture Fund.
College North West London, Willesden Campus, London. NW10 2XD
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THE WIFE OF WILLESDEN
TBC
Postponed - new dates TBC. The world premiere of Zadie Smith’s debut play The Wife of Willesden comes to Kiln Theatre for a strictly limited run. This updated irreverent, bawdy and beautiful new comedy celebrates the life and times of one of literatures most beloved characters.
Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, Kilburn, London NW6 7JR
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NW TRILOGY
TBC
Postponed - new dates TBC. Three kaleidoscopic stories re-investigate the different neighbourhoods of our local area and celebrate the important local events and people that went on to change this country.
Kiln Theatre
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