Exhibitions, Talks, Music, Workshops and Performances for Oxford Black History Month
The Island is a collaboration between Fusion Arts, African Caribbean Kultural Heritage Initiative (ACKHI), Oxfordshire Community Education Group (OCEG), Unlock the Chains Collective (UTCC) and A Place for We Project (involving Oxford Brookes and the Oxfordshire African Caribbean Community Archive – OACCA).
Taking place at 14 Park End Street, Oxford, OX1 1HH from 7th - 31st October 2026.
FREE ENTRY - DONATIONS WELCOME
Exhibitions
A testament to the resilience and creativity of the Windrush generation and their contributions to the Oxford community.
THE CARIBBEAN LIVING ROOM, 7-31 Oct, Weds - Sat, 11am - 6pm
A reconstruction of a typical 1960's West Indian front room in the UK. it intertwines memories, cultural connections and artistic expression. Curated by ACHKI.
WINDRUSH YEARS: Portraits of a generation who rebuilt Britain 7-31 Oct, Weds - Sat, 11am - 6pm
The images reflect the lives created as the Windrush generation arrived and settled in Oxford, making critical contributions to the lives of the city through their work. Curated by OCEG.
WINDRUSH NURSES, 7-31 Oct, Weds - Sat, 11am - 6pm
A selection of Windrush women who made Oxford their home whilst working in various NHS, Care Homes and Community settings.
The NHS has depended on the talents of its diverse workforce since its inception in 1948. Many took up the invitation to work as nurses, midwifes, ancillary workers, cleaners, cooks and porters becoming a backbone for the early National Health Service. Curated by OACCA.
A PLACE FOR WE, 7-31 Oct, Weds - Sat, 11am - 6pm
A living archive - items, artefacts, mapping and stories collected as part of an ongoing research between Oxford Brookes and the African Caribbean community. Curated by OACCA & Oxford Brookes Research Group.
Events
CIARAN WALSH LIBERATION LIBRARY, Sat 10, 17, 24 & 31 Oct, from 11am
Legendary local scholar-activist Ciaran Walsh sadly died last year, but will live on through the opening of his vast book collection in the form of the Liberation Library, funded through the generous donations of his friends, family and comrades. Organised by Dan Glazebrook and Tracey Walsh.
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF NEW BEACON BOOKS, Sat 10 Oct, 2-5pm
New Beacon Books, established in 1966, was the UK's first Caribbean Publishing House & Black Bookshop. Join Michael La Rose - author and director of New Beacon Books at this event. Organised by Oxford Community Action
POETRY SLAM, Weds 14 Oct, 4.30-7pm
To tie in with Once Upon a Time in Sokoto, a new play by Inua Ellams, this event will showcase poetry inspired by the themes of the play: Friendship and Sisterhood; Resisting oppression; Storytelling; and African history. Also performing will be local lyricists: Kemastry, Andrew ‘AJ’ Jones, Mapengo and Natty Mark Samuels.
If you are under 26 and have a poem you would like to submit, please email it to les.oxford@fueltheatre.com (contributions from elders will be welcome after the slam, time allowing!) Organised by Dan Glazebrook and Inspire Sounds.
BUILD YOUR OWN SOUND SYSTEM, Mon 26 - Fri 30 Oct, 12-4pm
Half-term workshop for young people. Pre-booking required. Run by Critical Youth and Inspire Sounds.
SOUNDS OF THE CITY: Inspire Sound Young People’s Showcase, Weds 28 Oct, 6pm
Young people working with Inspire Sound showcase their talents. Part of Museum Of Oxford's Sounds of the City exhibition. Organised by Inspire Sounds and Museum of Oxford.
HERITAGE DAY
Sat 24 Oct, 5-9pm
Come along dressed in traditional clothing from your heritage and bring a traditional dish to share. The evening will be an introduction to different music, fashion and cultures. Organised by Jabu Nala Hartley.
AFRICAN DANCE WORKSHOP, Sat 24 Oct, TBC
Led by Grace, more information to come.
CARNIVAL MAS DAY
Sat 31 Oct, 11am - 5.30pm
A family Halloween-themed carnival activities day. Learn to play the steel pan, make lanterns and carnival masks, write lyrics. All materials provided and you can bring home your creations. Please bring packed lunch, there will be drinks and snacks provided.
Please note: minimum age is 6 and under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
CARNIVAL PARTY, Sat 31 Oct, 6-9pm
Calypso, soca and reggae evening with live pan band and disco. A fitting end to our Black History Month. Bar and food provided. Donations to support 2027 Cowley Road Carnival
CARNIVAL DAY Supported by: Spice Roots, Cowley RoadWorks (Cowley Road Carnival), Fusion Arts and Unlock the Chains Collective
