Unveiling Our Journey: Inside the Hub, Where Black British Art & Literature impacts UK Communities

​Welcome to The Black Art Hub CIC, a vibrant and inclusive space dedicated to celebrating and supporting Black British artists and poets. Founded in March 2024 by Michi Masumi, an accomplished photographer, artist, and PhD research student at Canterbury Christ Church University, her mission is to foster a supportive and inspiring community for Black British creatives and to provide a space where Research, Development, Networking and Exhibiting are Black-led through Art, Poetry, Culture and Heritage.

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The Black Art Hub CIC's goals:

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Research

Increasing new knowledge, prioritising lived experiences and understanding Black British diversity.

Development

Delivering workshops, increasing understanding of the art industry, employability opportunities, and  Technical skills.  

Networking

Safe space for informal chats, creative ideas, collaborations and partnerships.

Exhibiting 

Committing to accessibility, inclusion and visibility by working with local organisations and businesses to deliver Exhibitions in traditional and non-traditional Art spaces.

With a background in Community Development, Educational Governance, Welfare to Work, startups, NFP Enterprises, Life Coaching and Public Policy,  Michi brings a wealth of experience and passion for arts and culture to this initiative. Michi works with a diverse advisory board, to ensure our services and provisions are fit for purpose.

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At The Black Art Hub, we are committed to creating a platform where Black British artists and poets can express their creativity without compromise.

This is a safe space,  where all can shine with pride, be bold in their artistic expressions, and inspire one another.

We focus on grassroots talent, providing practical support such as in-house large-format printing at reduced costs, a support fund, and opportunities to participate in Black British-led creative research.

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We are proud to be a Black-led organisation that warmly welcomes everyone with a firm commitment to our local community to provide Free or affordable Medway-led activities. We firmly believe that inclusivity is as vital as accessibility and visibility. Our organisation actively promotes engagement with individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

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Funding from the Arts Council England has been vital in the growth and success of our organisation. As a recipient of government funding, we have been empowered to provide our local community and, artists and poets from across the UK with unique opportunities to collaborate through arts and culture. This funding has enabled us to host, a range of creative events and workshops that celebrate diversity, foster creativity, and promote cultural exchange. It is through this generous support that we can continue to offer enriching experiences that make art and culture accessible to all, enhancing the vibrancy of our community and supporting the flourishing of British arts. We would also like to acknowledge the instrumental support that we have received from Medway Council's Culture Tea, local organisations,  small businesses and the local community.

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Our fundraising efforts aim to support our initiatives, including developing, the 'Benjamin Library', a community resource dedicated to Black British visual arts and poetry. For more information on our fundraising goals, please visit our Crowdfunder page: Art & Knowledge Fund.

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We collaborate with various organisations to ensure accessibility and visibility for Black British Artists, and Poets within Medway and other UK local communities. If you would like to work with TBAH CIC in your community, get in touch: theblackarthub02@gmail.com

Our activities include the annual Medway 'Black History Month' art trail exhibition, and technical, business, and academic workshops, alongside opportunities for volunteers in curating, event management, social media, and more.

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