Africa Night at the Museum
Curated by Cultureville
Join us for a celebration of Africa, where history, culture, and creativity converge.
Head on a journey through the Museum to enjoy a diverse array of experiences and start the festivities ahead of Africa Day, an international day of celebration that commemorates the founding of the African Union in 1963, taking place on 25 May.
Immerse yourself in African fashion, take a closer look at our African collections, savour poetry and performance, and get involved in discussions around culture, identity and belonging.
This special Late is curated by Cultureville, hosts of last year’s incredible Black Creative Soirée, which transformed spaces throughout the Museum in a joyous celebration of Black invention and imagination.
It also links with our wider work around African collections, led by Curator of Living Cultures Dr Njabulo Chipangura. We are reassessing provenance research, shaping object biographies, exploring restitution and repatriation, and creating new knowledge, working with the African diaspora in Manchester and beyond to understand how these collections can best inspire future generations.
Interactive installation, African artefacts and live performances – Main Hall
In the main hall, immerse yourself in captivating interactive installations featuring African fashion, discover African artefacts from the Museum, and experience live performances including dance and music that transport you through the rich tapestry of African history and culture.
Painting, poetry and panels – Kanaris Lecture Theatre
In the Kanaris Lecture Theatre, indulge your creative side with painting, while listening to powerful spoken word poetry and engaging in two insightful panel discussions:
- African Artefacts: Delve into the significance and stories behind the Museum’s African collections.
- Being an African in the Diaspora: Explore the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of being part of the African diaspora.
Pop-ups and party – Living Worlds
In Living Wolds, explore black-owned pop-ups and dance to the rhythm of Afrobeats music.
With something for everyone, this celebration of African heritage is not to be missed. You are welcome to drop in on the night but booking is advised and guarantees entry. Please be aware there may be a queuing system in place if we reach capacity.