(be)longing
2024 - present
From autumn 2024 - spring 2026 I have been commissioned by Bethlem Gallery as Artist Researcher in Residence to curate and deliver a public engagement programme on the theme of belonging. The programme builds upon my long-held interest in belonging, expanding into topics such as home, family, heritage and queerness. Initiated and supported by the gallery, I am first curating a series of creative workshops, panel talks and a conference, informing the works that I create in the lead up to my solo exhibition at Bethlem Gallery in the spring of 2026. This programme is supported by Maudsley Charity.
Additional funds from Arts Council England have been secured by myself to deliver workshops on family estrangement at Queercircle, provide 2 micro-commissions for early career artists exploring belonging in their work and additional events during my exhibition.
The programme will enable myself and the partner organisations:
To better understand and hear from those that struggle to feel that they belong because of issues related to race, identity, mental health, sexuality, social exclusion. The events are an opportunity for people to speak up and feel heard, using creative activities as the catalyst.
To understand what happens to us when we feel that we do not belong - how does it change us? How do we create new understandings/concepts of belonging?
To consider how we can better support those that struggle to belong - what resources are out there? What has worked for others? What knowledge can we share?
(be)longing Micro Commissions
As part of the (be)longing project I am providing 2 x micro-commissions to UK-based early career artists to make a piece of work exploring their own connection to the theme of belonging. The 2 selected artists will each receive £2,500 to produce the work which will be shown alongside my work in my solo exhibition in spring 2026.
The open call is now closed. The selected artists will be announced in May.
Upcoming Events:
Keep an eye on my Instagram for updates.
In autumn 2025 I will be running a series of creative workshops at QUEERCIRCLE for queer people estranged from family.
In spring 2026, when my exhibition at Bethlem Gallery is on, I will be running some events & workshops.
Past Events:
Conference
(be)longing Conference - a full day of talks, screenings & creative workshops exploring the theme of belonging in Peckham, London (March 2025).
In Conversation Events
If you would like to view the recordings of these sessions please contact me.
Race & Heritage - in conversation with Gaynor Tutani, Dr Chamion Caballero & Daniel Regan (March 2025).
Family – in conversation with artists leon clowes, Claire Sunho Lee & Daniel Regan (February 2025).
Migration & Home – in conversation with artists Alaa Alsaraji, Sila Sen, Laura McDonagh & Daniel Regan (January 2025).
Creative Workshops at Bethlem Gallery
Workshop with Dr Ngozi Oparah (January 2025)
Workshop with Jules Cunningham (October 2024)
Workshop with Keith Clapson (November 2024)
Reflective Journal
You can read more about the public programme as it progresses, plus my thoughts and the work that I am creating for the solo show in my reflections journal.
