Manchester Metropolitan University hosted an art exhibition celebrating black female artists, organised by two students.
The Black Women Rising exhibition was curated by MMU students Luka and Mia after taking inspiration from the Union’s black history month exhibit last year.
As they hadn’t heard of the exhibit being repeated in 2023 they wanted to create a space at the university to encourage more black artists to showcase their work.
The pair hoped the exhibition would support students to showcase their work as an extension of black history month’s 2023 theme – ‘saluting our sisters’.
Student organisers Luka and Mia said: “We don’t hear as much about black artists. We wanted to inspire other artists and give them an opportunity to be seen, whilst celebrating black women”.
In an instagram video in November they said that being the only two black students on their course was hard not to notice – but they hoped the exhibit would be important to other students.
They also wanted the Black Women Rising exhibit to celebrate the joys of being black and for attendees to feel immersed in a culture they hadn’t experienced before.
As this year’s black history month focused on the exceptional achievements of black women, Luka and Mia say this makes the theme especially poignant and more significant to them.
“We thought for this event, it would be important to make it inclusive and give any MMU students a chance to create a piece of art. It’s also nice to see how other people interpret the title ‘Black Women Rising’ through their artwork.”
The exhibition was opened with a celebration of black culture including food, music and the first opportunity to see the artwork.
The exhibition was only open for two days – from 27th to 29th November but the Union say they are keen to support any and all creative outlets students want to pursue.
While black history month is traditionally honoured in October the MMU Student Union state they: “want to continue celebrating black excellence and provide opportunities to show the talent of our students all year round”.
Featured image: mannyjourno
