Raindance Film Festival - Searching for Amani
The opening of the 32 Raindance Film Festival is on 19 - 28 June, at various partnering cinemas. Last year we attended and was blown away by the organisation of the festival and the impressive calibre of films.
This year our eyes are on the Best Documentary Feature nominee, SEARCHING FOR AMANI by first time film directors Nicole Gormley and Debra Aroko. Set in Kenya, SEARCHING FOR AMANI charts the heart wrenching journey of Simon Ali, a 13 year old boy who aspires to be a journalist and yearns to know the truth behind the murder of his beloved father who worked as nature conserver for one of the largest game park. Premiere is on Friday, 21st June, at the Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Square, at 6pm with a Q&A.
With the death of his father, Simon's foundation was unexpectedly pulled from under his feet with concession for him and his family. No father meant he had to grow up fast and assume adult responsibilities, provider, protector, nurturer and so on. Just in the attached trailer itself you sense the directors' mindful sensitivity to the characters fragility and ambition.
Unfortunately, Simon's burden is heavily laden with other complexities, as he and his community have to contend with the harsh realities of climate change on their humble farm life and the ongoing tribal dynamics of the surrounding communities.
We can't wait to see this film and the rest of this brilliant festival. Huge Congratulations to our dear friend Elliot Grove, the festival’s founder and his amazing team. Get your tickets here:
https://raindance.org/festival-programme/searching-for-amani-qa/
Symposium: The Right To Return
This Wednesday, 19th June, at 9am BST / 11am EAT, we will be joining our friends @bandungafrica at the THE RIGHT TO RETURN SYMPOSIUM - of African descendants to Africa and Artefacts back to Africa_
Representing CRI will be Michael Burgess, Founder & Executive Director, and Tracey Sage, Director of Cultural Strategy, Policy & Programme Development.
You are invited to join the symposium online (or in person in Tanzania)
Wednesday 19 June 2024
Please see the programme attached, and feel free to share.
More details and registration via:
https://6regiontz.org/
Promo via instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8S0lc4tsIu/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
In Converstion with Gemma Rolls-Bentley & Ajamu X
We are partnering with Frances Lincoln Publishing & Gemma Rolls-Bentley for a very special book launch of her recently published, QUEER ART: from canvas to club and spaces between, on Wednesday, 5th June, 6pm - 8:30pm, at 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning, Herne Hill, London.
Joining Gemma that evening for a very special in conversation will be the Patron Saint of The Darkroom, Ajamu X who is considered as the UK's most respected Fine Art photographer. His magnificent work, Power Drill Heels (2021) graces the cover of the book. They are both leading voices in the UK on contemporary art and LGBTQIA+ Rights.
Other artists featured in the book will also be present to sign your copies and photo ops. Books will be sold on the night.
This event will also support the Art Academy London (AAL) auction. AAL is a charity art school created with a mission to educate and make high-quality art accessible to all people. It started by a group of artists in 2000.
Spaces are limited so email us if you want to come.
WAN International Africa Day 2024
International Africa Day celebrations with our friends at the Worldwide Afro Network and UNESCO is always fun. So once again we are onboard as producers for this sensational online extravaganza that spotlights key voices, organisations and platforms in the creative industry, from sports, entertainment, tech and visual arts, from contemporary to indigenous. This year the focus is on language.
Celebrate International Africa Day with us!
Outreach in Kenya with WeWOT
We spent 9 days in Kenya with our friends at We Were Once Them (WeWOT) , a global charity which uses the exemplary achievements of STEM specialists to inspire young people in poor, underserved communities across Africa and the Diaspora. We did outreach at 5 schools in impoverished areas of Nairobi, Voi and Kikuyu. Our hearts were pulled in all directions and conscience challenged by the hard worn lived experiences and extraordinary resilience of these young people, their parents, their communities and schools.
The experience magnified the awareness of our privilege and deepened our gratitude for the blessings that have been bestowed on us. We have been inspired with greater conviction of the value of humanitarianism. We must support these incredible young people and their communities, using our resources and network, in order to amplify the efforts of We Were Once Them, their amazing volunteers and the generosity of partnering organisations such as Don Bosco.
The charity work we did in Kenya with WeWOT included painting and repairing toilets, building new toilets and kitchens, planting trees, mentoring, providing food, clothes, books. We pledged to sponsor the school fees of 10 students. We are also sponsoring the volleyball team of Ruthimitu Mixed Primary and Secondary school with tennis shoes, and we are partnering with our friend, the amazing social activist, Joanne to sponsor a young girl at Gitiba School.
If you wish to support an organisation that truly make a difference in communities on the fringes of life, who if given a helping hand would excel and invest back into their communities, then we 100% recommend you support We Were Once Them. You can donate here ⏬
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/9aac44f8-eb6d-4383-897a-891e24730955?isOnboarding=true
Buckingham Palace Garden Party with RAS
We attended the Buckingham Palace Garden Party with the Royal African Society. We had a splendid time. So much so that we made it on the official Instagram account for @princeandprincessofwales . See the below video clip of HRH Sir William, Prince of Wales and our Founder and Executive Director, Michael Burgess having an engaging conversation.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C7PcDLytnbb/?igsh=Z3E5dWQxYXp1dWdm
The video even appears in Hello! Magazine online.
https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/553623/prince-william-joined-by-beatrice-eugenie-zara-peter-palace-garden-party/
In spite of all the rain everyone was really jolly and the Palace staff were very warm and welcoming. The sandwiches and desserts were indeed delicious. The best cucumber sandwiches ever.
It was Michael’s 2nd time meeting Prince William which HRH remembered, and like the first time they had an engaging conversation sprinkled with laughter. Together with the CEO & Director of RAS, Janet Rogan, Keith Shiri, Lead Curator of Film Africa 2024 and Obi James, RAS Executive Council Trustee, we did an excellent plug of the Royal African Society’s Film Africa (opening 25th Oct. - 3rd Nov.) and the RAS Gala (22nd Nov.). Team work makes the dream work!
Fashion for Refugees
We are honoured to have been invited by Francesco Mazzarella and the Centre for Sustainable Fashion to participate in a series of roundtable discussions on the interplay of the power and impact of the Fashion Industry on Refugee policy. We joined a group of dedicated organisations and individuals who find it necessary to take urgent action in advocating for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
The extensive research and detailed findings will be collated and form the foundation for a policy paper which will be shared with relevant policy makers and other stakeholders.
More info coming soon!
Fumi Desalu-Vold Meet & Greet
We are honoured to once again co-curate and co-produce the birthday party and meet-and-greet for our friend, the uber fabulous, social media sensation, actress, fashion designer and lifestyle expert, Fumi Desalu-Vold.
Fumi will be sharing her gold nuggets of wisdom and special friends with you. Goodie bags, food, drinks, workshops, panel discussions, vendors, networking, photo ops, content creation, fashion, catch-ups, laughter and more laughter. Hosted at the conveniently located Novotel Hotel, Hammersmith, 5 minutes walk from the tube station.
Excellent sponsorship offers available. Capture the FUMI EFFECT !!! Don't miss out. Get your tickets now ⏬
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fumi-desalu-volds-birthday-meet-greet-with-fumination-tickets-869943112267
JUMP Premiere
JUMP dance film is going to premiere next Friday 29th, March, at Rapport Film Festival at Whirled Cinema in Brixton, Loughborough Junction, London, SE24 0HN
Last year our director, Michael Burgess was asked by the amazing Director, Teacher, Choreographer and Dancer, Jonathan Luke Bishop to be part of his film project. JUMP charts the gruelling process of a dance audition. While choreography is impressive in execution, perfect syncopation and drama, the behind-the-scenes challenges are not flattering but builds the fire in the dancers to make the cut and secure the contract.
Quote from our Director, "literally the entire journey was magical and executed with the most meticulous direction and team spirit. I am not surprised by the rise of JUMP's success".
#jonathanbishop #jonathanlukebishop you are AMAZING!!! We ❤️ you. We are so very proud and happy for you. You deserve all your blessings Sir.
Commonwealth Africa Initiative x Peju Alatise
Commonwealth African Initiative in conversation with Peju Alatise on her current exhibition, We Came with the Last Rain, at the Rele Gallery, 5 – 7 Dover Street, London. The exhibition closes 23 March 2024
In conversation with Beau Monde Society
Join us this evening live on Instagram at 8pm UK time (GMT) from @creative_resilience_intl in conversation with my friends @beaumondesociety Find out how we started our businesses and what keeps us going.
Middlesbrough College & Creative Resilience International
This year for Industry Week Middlesbrough College is partnering with Creative Resilience International to deliver a one-day virtual programme of panel talks and workshops with specialist in the fields of fashion, fashion communication, performance art, visual arts, design and PR.
Industry Week at Middlesbrough College is offering students the opportunity to interact and receive invaluable knowledge and advice from respected industry experts whose career trajectory and lived experiences could serve as a benchmark for the students' professional ambitions and furthermore inspire diligence and determination.
Very special thanks to the brilliant guest speakers, these creative geniuses:
@peju.alatise
@wacfoo
@acelebrationofdemonstration
@fumidesaluvold
@kanahflex
@joyce_addaidavis
@yemikosibah
#jennymitchellpoet
@kayflawlessofficial
Chineke! Orchestra
💥SINGERS💥: Professionals & Amateurs! The phenomenal Chineke! Orchestra invites you to join the Chineke! Amateur Symphonic Chorus. You will be part of this groundbreaking choir of 80 - 100 voices for the concert on 3 May 2024 at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, UK.
The Chineke! Foundation was created by Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE in 2015 to provide outstanding career opportunities to established and up-and-coming Black and ethnically diverse classical musicians in the UK and Europe. Chineke!’s motto is: ‘Championing change and celebrating diversity in classical music’. The organisation aims to be a catalyst for change, realising existing diversity targets within the industry by increasing the representation of Black and ethnically diverse musicians in British and European orchestras.
The Chineke! Orchestra is Europe’s first majority Black and ethnically diverse orchestra.
Art Opening, WE CAME WITH THE LAST RAIN, by Peju Alatise
You are invited to the solo exhibition, WE CAME WITH THE LAST RAIN, by the critically acclaimed highly sought after multimedia artist, Peju Alatise, on 22nd Feb - 23 Mar 2023.
This exhibition is in conjunction with the grand opening of Rele Gallery London, located at 5 - 7 Dover Street, Mayfair. We are representing the artist and producing both the private viewing the public opening.
In this body of work Peju brilliantly encapsulates compelling narratives surrounding contemporary social issues from the perspective of children, inspiring agency, optimism, advocacy for children's rights and cultural preservation. It is a thought provoking, highly engaging exhibition that is augmented through escapism and magical realism.
Rele Gallery is expanding its global footprint in Europe with the opening of its magnificent gallery spaces in the centre of London, in Mayfair, amplifying its highly respected interface between African Art and the international art world. Rele Gallery is also in Lagos, Nigeria and Los Angeles, California, USA.
Mark it in your calendar, 22nd February - 23 March 2024.
Matthew Eluwande London Fashion Week (Spring - Summer 2024)
Huge Congratulations to international award-winning milliner, the legendary Matthew Eluwande who, last Saturday, 17th February, after being asked many times, finally made his debut at London Fashion Week Spring - Summer 2024, hosted by SM Global Catwalk at the Royal Horse Guards Hotel
Our Director, Michael Burgess was asked specifically by Mr Eluwande to style and choreograph the show.
The feedback from the audience on the night and all the reviews have unequivocally proclaim the Matthew Eluwande fashion showcase as outstanding.
Miss Nigeria Diaspora
We are thrilled to be supporting the @missnigeriafranceorg inaugural event and being recognised as a trusted voice of empowerment, visibility and vehement advocate for the upward mobility of our people, the beautiful continent of Africa and those underrepresented, underserved and undervalued.
The grand finale is this Saturday, 10th February at La Salle du Gala, Palais de la Femme, 94 Rue de Charonne, 75011, Paris, France.
Haven Unmasked
We start the year off advocating for Black Men and Mental Health. We have been invited by Haven London to be one of the guest speakers and deliver a mind body Pilates workshop. Our Director, Michael Burgess, will join the other highly respected panellists in unpacking the journey to mental health and how it manifests in the lives and community of Black Men.
Themes to explore will include vulnerability, toxic masculinity, coping and healing, and mentoring, which will delivered across workshops, panel discussions and performances.
Register for your tickets here ⏬️:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haven-unmasked-navigating-black-mens-mental-health-journey-tickets-761490296977
Catwalk On The Runway
A celebration and reflection of Black History through the eyes of fashion. We are using the art of fashion to give a vivid narration of key moments in Black History and a chance to showcase the best fashion representation of some of the great nations in Africa. The Runway stage is laid at the iconic Teesside International Airport, bringing the best in the fashion industry from Designers, models, accessories, stylists and the best performances. A chance for local creatives to own an event that is attracting international attention in the Fashion world.
TEDxWoodlane TEDTalk
This video captures the riveting moments of exchange and community that took place at TEDx Woodlane TEDTalk hosted by our Klimate Net family which we had the great honour of sponsoring and hosting the networking segment.
An extraordinary mixed bag of experts in the field of environmentalism and lifestyle consciousness, with astonishing lived experiences, spoke with great knowledge and candour. Every person in the room left feeling charged, informed and empowered.
Special thanks to Sandeep Krishnappa, Co-Founder of Klimate Net for this great opportunity. More to come in 2024.
Chili Arts Project
October is Black History Month, and the global spotlight is on Afro Contemporary Art Week in London. That week the capital brings together the finest, most thought-provoking, imaginative, culturally defining artists and art creatives from Africa and the African Diaspora.
We are super excited to be co-producing with the amazing Chilli Art Projects and the Royal African Society in delivering a stellar programme of artist chats, poetry entertainment, and one-to-one with special guests, during the REFLECTIONS exhibition at the Chilli Gallery, 125 New Bond Street, London W1S 1DY, from 13th - 30th October October. Private Viewing is on 13th October.
Artists featured include:
Richard Mensah, Fungai Benhura, Akea Brionne, Richard Nattoo, Jimbo Lateef, Olajide Oluwamayowa, Corey Pemberton , Sheherazade Thenard, It is FREE and ALL are WELCOME. Please RSVP here: info@chilliartprojects
Africa Writes
The UK’s largest celebration of contemporary African and diaspora literature is back. The Royal African Society @royafrisoc brings you Africa Writes 2023 in partnership with @thebritish.library , 29th September - 1st October.
Expect a vibrant programme of talks, readings and performances, exploring this year’s theme of Intangible Heritage – a meditation on the things that make us who we are.
This hybrid event is available in-person or online. Tickets are available for the full weekend, for Saturday or Sunday, or for the standalone evening events:
https://africawrites.org/
Africa Writes 2023
Africa In Fashion - Styling Tomorrow
On Saturday, 26th August at 7pm All eyes on the Southbank Centre's, Planet Summer Festival Runway, as Creative Resilience International hosts a fashion show on sustainability, upcycling and environmental justice, featuring designers and performance artists.
The magnificent art installation, There Is No Rubbish by acclaimed artists, Sokari Douglas Camp CBE, Gary March, Nicola J Reid and Rasaq, will create the perfect backdrop for this show which will spotlight the brilliant fashion designs of George Adesegun, Re:I.D., Uptown Yardie and CAROLINE MOSYEMI UP. Live mini-concert from singer, Sodi Cookey and a performance from poet, Pelúmi will set the tone for the evening.
See you at the Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX,
Focus Africa
Creative Resilience International partnered with @focusafricafest and @aceagrams to produce and deliver the 2023 #focusafricafestival - Music & Fashion.
The 4th Focus Africa Festival: Music & Fashion happened on Saturday, 29th July 2023, 7pm - 3am, at London's #1 independent arts & culture venue, @richmixlondon
This brand new, reimagined multicultural musical and fashion showcase in the heart of London was the most electrifying, culturally rich and pack full event on the summer calendar.
8 hours of live music, 3 fashion shows, 40+ artists/musicians, DJs, Live Music, Traders, African Food, Fashion- Ghana - Nigeria - Gambia - Congo - Burkina Faso - Senegal - UK and more...
UK Africa Commerce & Investment Summit
This Wednesday at the UK - Africa Commerce & Investment Summit: A fresh perspective on the feasibility of investing in the creative industry in Africa -Panel discussion led by Michael Burgess, Co-Founder & Director of Creative Resilience International.
Guest speakers include: Rene Macdonald - Founder & CEO, @lisoulondon; Shorn Molokwane - Creative Enterprise & Development Expert Botswana; Jesse Rannells - Project Director, @africanfashionfoundation
Link to purchase the tickets is here ➡ https://www.stenom.org/event-details/uk-africa-commerce-and-investment-summit
Soho House Member Mixers
CRI and Soho House presented a series of monthly panel talks on sustainability, ethics and inclusion in fashion.
The aim is to provide members with engaging, thought-provoking sessions which stimulate conversations, exchange ideas and build networks.
The sessions ran on Wednesday mornings from 9-10am at 180 The Strand and included the topics:
Technology vs Heritage Preservation (Wednesday 27 April 2023)
Is There Money in Clean Fashion? (Wednesday 31 May 2023)
Influencing Policies (Wednesday 28 June 2023)
Sodi Cookey Live at The Camden Club
Even a painful, pulled Achilles tendon didn't stop Sodi Cookey from putting on a wonderfully intimate performance. Seated for the entirety of his Camden Club showcase meant that Cookey had to work an up-tempo set while not moving too much. Used to bouncing around the stage, engaging with his band and audience, being fixed-to-the-spot didn't mean he wasn't spinning around on his stool, directing his band: the emotive bassist Michael Searle, talented pianist, Mark Rainbow and extraordinary drummer Nehemiah Ibe.
African Heritage Seminar
CRI co-produced and facilitated the African Heritage Seminar at Tate Britain. Special guest speakers included artists Richard Mensah of Chilli Art Projects & Gary March. Other artists featured were Claudette Johnson, Ajamu X, Dante Rosetti of the Pre Raphaelites
Fumi Desaluvold x OPV Beauty - Meet & Greet
We will attempt to find the correct words to express how profoundly moving and inspiring the whole experience was yesterday at the birthday celebration and meet-and-greet for @fumidesaluvold, which was in partnership with @opvbeautyroom @opvbeauty
We are already blessed to have a close personal and professional ties with our dearest Fumi. To then be asked to stage manage the event was quite an honour as it meant being trusted to have not just the know-how but also possessing the emotional capacity, awareness and intelligence to moderate what was an emotionally charged and extremely personal Q & A. As with her social media platforms, Fumi and the Team created a safe, non-judgemental, nurturing space.
This was no normal meet-and-greet. It was group therapy, lead by a true life coach @fumidesaluvold based on lived experiences. Like everyone who attended and the global fumination family, we were completely verklempt by the life-changing stories shared by Fumi and the other participants.
Inspiration is an understatement in describing the deep sense of motivation, community and strength we all left with yesterday.
A very special thanks to the truly beautiful and formidable @fumidesaluvold . Also, special thanks to the dream team and awesome sponsors including,
💞 @oledesaluvold
✨️@christinaajayi
🫂 @opvbeautyroom @opvbeauty
📷 @officialgilazgi
🎉 Sponsors:
@ivyekongfashion
@juviasplace
@sephorauk
@danessamyricksbeauty
@danessa_myricks
@colouredraine
@jaclyncosmetics
Kutivz Kollection Fashion Show
Special moments come rarely, but as Creative Director role at @kutivzkollection launch of their #kutivzkouture fashion line was one of them.
It really was an honour to drive forward a new designer showcasing her first collection. Choose to always be part of the solution - a beacon of passion and positivity.
Sodi Cookey Live at The Camden Club
Back onstage with his full live band after a three-year hiatus, Cookey gave a barn-storming performance at The Camden Club. The packed venue was treated to two hours of incredible African-jazz-infused music - ranging from standards, like a rendition of Sarah Vaughn’s Misty, to Nigerian hi-life to down-and-dirty funk. Raised in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Cookey continued to show why the continent is a melting pot of musical talent able to compete on the international stage in any musical medium.
As a natural counter-tenor, Cookey’s incredible range and charismatic performance combined a unique blend of velvet vocals, rich-raw melodies and provocative story-telling. He infused jazz and soul harmonies with enthusiastic audience participation - often asking for and getting calls-and-responses which visibly delighted him.
He prefaced each song with stories, personal histories, or inspirations; painting a picture of a beloved uncle’s descent into Alzheimer’s with the heart-breaking ‘Here I Am’; or the devastating effect of the Oil Industry on Port Harcourt’s ecology with ‘My Mind’. ‘Contradictions Of Life’ described the conundrum of being in love with two people at once and a rare foray into the afro-house territory brought the well-received ‘Love Put A Hit On Me’. The new single, ‘Show Me’ which echoed the great soul singers of the past, like Teddy Pendergrass or Marvin Gaye, was nostalgic and magical - something often missing from the current roster of soul music.
Cookey showed himself a playful and versatile song-writer and performer - often breaking off astoundingly beautiful love ballads to engage in humorous asides; or capable of taking his audience ‘to church’ with a rendition of Al Green’s ‘Jesus Is Waiting’ and an original composition, ‘Sing Hallelujah’ without ever sounding preachy. Cookey’s fashion stylist, Samson Soboye, was also celebrated in the song ‘Looking So Good’ - an ode to the outfit he was wearing onstage.
The show escalated into Nigerian high-life with ‘Spaghetti’ finale and after two encores, Cookey had his audience eating out his very talented hands.
The new single, ‘Show Me’, is out on 10th February on all platforms.