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4 events,
Spike Island presents a major solo exhibition of new work by Phillip Lai (b.1969, Kuala Lumpur), bringing together a body of sculptural commissions that continue the artist’s exploration of the material world around us. This will be the most significant institutional presentation of Lai’s work to date. Lai’s sculptures combine everyday objects with his own… Continue Reading RAIN/RUIN by Phillip Lai 
Spike Island presents Feedback, the largest solo exhibition by Nigerian-British artist, filmmaker and DJ Olukemi Lijadu. Developed through research in Chicago, Lagos and Bristol, the exhibition centres on a major new film commission marking a landmark in the artist’s moving image practice. The film uses audio feedback as a metaphor for the circulation of rhythm,… Continue Reading Feedback by Olukemi Lijadu
Free
Lebanese artist Mounira Al Solh invites you into a vivid world where ancient mythology collides with contemporary experience. In this exhibition, she poignantly and playfully navigates a multitude of complex themes such as identity, migration, trauma, inequality and gender. This multidisciplinary exhibition includes her critically acclaimed Venice Biennale pavilion installation A Dance with her Myth… Continue Reading A land as big as her skin by Mounira Al Solh
Free
In this series of minimalist oil pastel drawings, curated by Rainmaker Gallery, Jason Wesaw reflects on reconnection, resilience and the healing power of return. Through subtly textured surface and carefully chosen colour, these meditative works unfold with quiet intensity. Jason Wesaw is a multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and peacemaker. He is an enrolled member of the… Continue Reading Returning by Jason Wesaw |
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6 events,
Queendom Rising is a new photography exhibition by Bristol-based photographer George Netana celebrating women from Bristol’s diverse diaspora communities. This portrait series is inspired by the artist’s lived experience as a mother of Māori daughters growing up in diaspora, and explores how identity, belonging, and cultural memory are formed and sustained across generations and geographies. She has… Continue Reading Queendom Rising: Portraits of Diaspora by George Netana
Free
Rooted in West African cultural heritage, CRAZE WORLD uses symbols, figures and patterns to confront social issues such as racism, police brutality and censorship. The work in this collection reflects the belief that art plays a vital role in shaping public thought. It provides an opportunity for viewers to encounter these visual narratives and consider… Continue Reading CRAZE WORLD by BÓLÁRINWÁ |
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7 events,
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Tune into Ujima 98FM on Wednesday 29 April, 2–4pm, for a very special live takeover show hosted by DAN artist and Chair, DJ Bashmal, plus guests. Settle in from wherever you are, at home, in the office or on the road, and find out everything you need to know about DIASPORA! This show will be… Continue Reading DIASPORA! Takeover On Ujima Radio
Free
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8 events,
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Join Carole Nomessin, Elemental Medicine Woman, for this sacred fire ritual from the Huichol people of Mexico, loaned to the Western world as a reminder of how to sit together and tend our spirits. This two-hour session invites you to place offerings into the fire while walking with your own prayers, entering a space where… Continue Reading Sacred Fire Ritual
Free
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The Snug, Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar, BS3 1TF Join artist BÓLÁRINWÁ for the closing of CRAZE WORLD, an exciting exhibition showing 7 April to 10 May. This intimate closing party offers a chance to engage with the artist as he discusses the core themes of his work. The evening will feature poetry readings, film screenings… Continue Reading CRAZE WORLD Exhibition Party
Free
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16 events,
Diaspora Island gathers Bristol-based artists with roots across the world, weaving together perspectives on the human condition and the shifting meaning of home. Moving between folk tales, dance, and acts of resistance, the exhibition traces how memory, culture, and activism intertwine to shape identity across borders. Curated by Emma Allen. Woven Narratives and Batik Flag… Continue Reading Voices of the Diaspora
Free
This hugely popular annual event gives you access to explore the studios, see works-in-progress, learn about different creative processes, and buy unique work directly from the artists. The family-friendly programme includes events, performances and workshops for you to test your own creative skills and experience artists’ ideas first-hand. In Spike Island’s galleries, discover major exhibitions… Continue Reading Spike Island Open Studios
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First Friday is a monthly social and showcasing event open to anyone. It takes place in the Pervasive Media Studio every First Friday throughout the year except for August and January. As well as the chance to socialise in the Pervasive Media Studio, attendees joining the event will also get to see a selection of… Continue Reading First Friday
Free
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Explore safety, support and grounding within your mind and body in this workshop embodying the earth element through creative visualisation. Over 2 hours, you’ll be guided through embodied movement, meditation, pastel creation and reflective journaling, and take home your own canvas picture. No experience needed. Tea, mats and materials provided. Book your tickets here. Facilitated… Continue Reading Meditate & Create
£38
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Join us at The Station for the launch of DIASPORA! 2026, our city-wide celebration of cultural diversity through the arts. This event marks the official opening of the festival and offers an opportunity to gather with members of the Diverse Artists Network community. To take part in a special celebration of the water with a… Continue Reading DIASPORA! 2026 Opening Ceremony
Free
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With a unique electronic and jazz fusion, Brian d’Souza’s Auntie Flo live band brings together a host of talented musicians from around the world to perform tracks spanning five acclaimed albums worth of material. Book tickets here. Venue: Strange Brew Ages: 14+ (under 18s must be accompanied by adult) For access information refer to venue’s… Continue Reading Auntie Flo (full band show) + Moncaya LIVE
£12 – £15
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Reflecting on an increasingly digitised world, JASAD (Arabic for Body) draws from the breath-centred essence of the Nay (ca. 5,000 BC) to create a distinctive solo setup. In this performance, Faris Ishaq plays the Nay and a leg-mounted frame drum simultaneously. Drawing from his global jazz background, Faris fuses original Tashbib melodies, a percussive and… Continue Reading Faris Ishaq in Concert
£10 – £14
Head to the Pipe & Slippers on Stokes Croft for a stellar DJ set from Devon-born artist, Somatic. No need to book, just turn up. Known for his boundary-defying sets, Somatic blends global sounds ranging from and Reggaeton to Jungle and Bollywood Bass. His track Fighting Fear has gained over 850k plays, and his versatile… Continue Reading Somatic DJ Set
Free
Mestre Gilmar Santana is a master of maracatu de baque virado from Igarassu, Pernambuco, Brazil, and a direct heir of a long-standing family tradition. He is the grandson of Dona Mariu and the son of Dona Olga, who passed this cultural knowledge through generations. Today, he leads the Maracatu Estrela Brilhante de Igarassu, a maracatu… Continue Reading Afon Sistema with Mestre of Maracatu
Free
Kilengi Dance Party is coming back to The Jam Jar this May. What better way to kick off DIASPORA! than at Bristol’s newest global bass party? Curated by DJ, bassist and producer Marla Kether, Kilengi is a celebration of dance music from the afrodiaspora. Expect Afro House, Baile Funk, Dembow, Amapaino, Kuduro, GQOM, Bubbling, Bouyon… Continue Reading Marla Kether Presents: Kilengi Dance Party
£6 – £13.50
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24 events,
Come and explore the work of the Diverse Artists Network, the Bristol-based development agency behind the DIASPORA! festival, through this exciting exhibition: Out of Many. Founded in 2020 by Deasy Bamford and Vandna Mehta, DAN acts as a bridge between artists, venues and audiences across the South West. Experience this vibrant collection from talented regional… Continue Reading Out of Many: The Diverse Artists Network Exhibition
Free
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Join Circomedia in Portland Square this Early May Bank Holiday weekend for a fantastic, diaspora-led day of free, family friendly activities. No need to book, just turn up. The Circomedia team will be filling the square outside their St. Paul’s Church venue with joy and creativity. From participatory circus and performance workshops and shows, to… Continue Reading Circus in St Pauls
Free
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Ten African and Caribbean women across generations come together to sit, reflect and speak, opening a rare and intimate window into the stories, tensions and wisdom that pass between us. This workshop, led by Odiri Ighamre, marks the launch of Internal Conversations, a living exhibition woven from visual interviews, personal testimony, photography, academic insight, film… Continue Reading Internal Conversations
£3 – £15
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Tashi Shabdro is a popular Tibetan circle dance performed during festive and joyful occasions. Join a large group, led by artist Tenzin Sangmo, as you come together in celebration, promoting happiness, social connection and friendship. ABOUT TENZIN Tenzin Sangmo is a Bristol-based artist with a passion for sharing Tibetan culture with wider communities across the… Continue Reading Dance Day at The Island Dance Space: Tashi Shabdro Tibetan Dance Workshop
£3 – £15
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A creative craft workshop open to all ages, where participants use recycled materials and textiles to create a flag or banner that represents and celebrates themselves and their identity, however they see it. Led by textile artist Ruth Ramsay. Visit the venue’s website for accessibility information. Venue: Easton Community Centre, Kilburn St, Easton, Bristol BS5 6AW… Continue Reading Flag Up Your Identity – Easton Community Centre
Free
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Side eYe is excited to be delivering a workshop on storytelling and world-making. They’ll be working through different mediums of art, seeing how you can incubate your creativity using collages and responding to stimuli. There will be opportunities for creative writing and art creation, and resources to develop yourself will be shared in the session.… Continue Reading Storytelling & World-making
£3 – £15
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Join musician Alphonse Daudet Touna for a steel pan workshop exploring African Caribbean melodies and rhythms. By the end of the session, participants will come together to play a short tune as an ensemble. No experience needed, just turn up. This event is part of Jam on the Horizon, 15 hours of music from around the… Continue Reading Steel & Beats
£3 – £15
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Join artist Marina Moreno for an online talk exploring her practice, with a focus on collaboration and socially engaged work. Marina will also introduce an exciting opportunity for DAN artists to collaborate on a new project centred on migration, displacement and transnationalism. Joining details will be shared after you book. ABOUT MARINA MORENO Marina Moreno… Continue Reading DIASPORA! Online: Connecting Across Borders: Collaboration, Migration & Socially Engaged Practice
Free
5 venues, 8 Stages and 15 hours of music from all around the world. All day and night, you can expect all of the regular global sounds you know and love, including but not limited to dub, soukous, reggaeton, salsa, highlife & afrobeat. Now across 5 venues, Jam On The Horizon takes place at The… Continue Reading Jam on the Horizon
£25 – £45
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Join Medea for this Persian dance taster workshop focused on popular and accessible dances from Iran. This session offers an introduction to the movements and rhythms of Persian dance in a supportive setting. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, come along to learn the steps and enjoy the music of this cultural… Continue Reading Dance Day at The Island Dance Space: Try Persian Dance & Have Fun
£3 – £15
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Freedom Soul Dance is a beautiful combination of West African, freestyle and contemporary dance, led by dance practitioner, penny Marie. Filled with fun, joy and expression, Penny’s classes give you the confidence to dance in your own way while learning choreography suitable for all levels. ABOUT PENNY Penny Marie is a Bristol-based dance practitioner with… Continue Reading Dance Day at The Island Dance Space: Freedom Soul Dance
£3 – £15
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Four local poets read and discuss their work alongside contributors from the Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology series. This series publishes anthologies exploring African and African diasporic migration and immobility through diverse poetic voices. Click here to register. To date, the initiative has released two collections: Japa Fire: An Anthology of Poems on African and… Continue Reading DIASPORA! Online: African & African Diasporic Poetry, Bristol
Free
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Experience the vibrant rhythms of the Sudanese Daluka, a drum that is central to women’s celebrations. This session showcases Aghani Abanat (girls’ songs), an important part of wedding rituals in Sudan. Join this interactive circle of drumming, clapping and movement to experience the rhythmic heart of Sudanese female heritage. No experience needed, just come ready… Continue Reading Daluka Circle: Sudanese Women’s Rhythms
Free
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The UK’s premier pan-Asian improv group are back with their mission to bring epic laughs from the diasporASIA to Bristol. Bringing playful improv from their monthly night in London – followed by a friendly audience jam. You can choose to sit back and relax as an audience member all the way through, or put yourself… Continue Reading Comediasians
£10 – £15
An eclectic DJ set, mixing genres from the Caribbean, UK, South Africa and Brazil. No need to book, just turn up. About Azumei Azumei is a Bristol-based DJ and producer, and co-founder of the women-led label Bad B!tch Dubz. Following a debut UK tour and appearances at Glastonbury and Love Saves the Day, she’s firmly… Continue Reading Azumei DJ Set
Free
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French collective House of Unity bring their explosive fusion of live instrumentation and electronic club energy to The Canteen this May. No need to book, just turn up. ABOUT HOUSE OF UNITY The collective channels the spirit of classic house through a modern groove. From piano-soaked classics and timeless vocals, all the way to chunky… Continue Reading HOUSE OF UNITY
Free
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16 events,
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This workshop introduces the origins and techniques of Fusion Bellydance, offering a relaxed approach to its distinctive movements. Participants will learn key steps to build a collective phrase, focusing on building a sense of community through dance. There is no requirement to show your midriff; however, wearing a hip scarf is encouraged. This session is… Continue Reading Bridging Resistance with Fusion Bellydance
£3 – £15
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Relax, release & reconnect through healing vibrations with magical gong practitioner, Annette, and singing bowl sensation, Rounik. Come and join Annette and Rounik for a deeply relaxing and reflective New Moon Sound bath in Bristol’s breath-taking, mystical former church, The Mount Without. Sound healing is a wonderfully restorative and relaxing experience, nourishing us on so… Continue Reading Sound Baths at The Mount Without
£24.54 – £29.96
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Head to the Ranch Adventure Playground in Southmead for a day of family fun. Textile artist Ruth Ramsay will be there, running a Flag Up Your Identity workshop. Make a colourful flag that shows the world who you are. Puppet Afro-Leana has flown in from Jamaica especially for this event. Come and dance with this… Continue Reading Family Fun Day at The Ranch Adventure Playground
Free
Vulva Voce re-write the ‘string quartet’ as we know it. Taking influence from folk, jazz, classical, techno and funk, they create original music which honours women’s stories throughout history A must-watch collective, alongside their string instruments, Vulva Voce use singing, movement and anecdotes to connect with audiences. The result is a genre-defying, universally appealing live… Continue Reading Bristol Folk Festival: Vulva Voce 
Amadou Diagne has centuries of West African Music at his fingertips. A former member of The National Orchestra of Senegal, Amadou rose to become one of the top West African Stars and a busy musician on the vibrant Dakar music scene. This event is part of Bristol Folk Bristol at St George’s Bristol. Get your… Continue Reading Bristol Folk Festival: Amadou Diagne
£19 – £37
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In this workshop, artist, singer and dancer Batch Gueye leads you through traditional griot songs from West Africa. Drawing from the musical heritage of Senegal, Casamance, The Gambia and Mali, you’ll explore the spiritual chants of the Senegalese Baye Fall people and learn songs associated with their leader. Singing becomes a form of prayer, teaching… Continue Reading West African Singing Workshop with Batch Gueye
£3 – £15
Live Bristol is a monthly mixed-genre music platform dedicated to uplifting emerging artists and strengthening the grassroots scene. Rooted in equality and representation, each event creates a space for diverse voices to be heard through the shared power of live performance. This session is a special for DIASPORA! We are bringing our community together to… Continue Reading Live Bristol: DIASPORA! 26 special
Free
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