Liverpool Black History Month events schedule announced

Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team has announced ten brand new artistic commissions to mark Black History Month 2025 this October.

Under the theme Power and Pride, funding has been awarded to a diverse range of creative projects which will showcase and honour the rich contributions of Black communities to the city’s cultural, social, and historical fabric.

From spoken word and gospel music to textile arts and immersive technology, the commissions reflect a vibrant mix of artforms along with community and school engagement. Each project has been developed by local creatives and organisations committed to amplifying Black voices and stories in Liverpool.

Highlights include:

• More Than Words by Brodie Arthur and Leah Watson – an open mic and panel event at the Everyman Theatre spotlighting Black performers and industry professionals.
• Liverpool Lighthouse Gospel Project led by Helen Brown – a school-based programme teaching gospel music and Black history through performance.
• Digital Immersive Portraits by Robert Awork – a living exhibition at St George’s Hall featuring impressive 3D-printed community portraits with embedded audio stories.
• African Roots 2025 at The Black-E – a two-day celebration of African dance and cultural heritage.
• Black Actors Collective Headshot Exhibition – a photographic showcase of Black performers, also hosted at the Everyman Theatre.

Other commissions centre around creative writing anthologies, visual arts workshops, carnival-inspired dance sessions, and textile-based storytelling.

All projects aim to foster pride, representation, and cultural understanding throughout Liverpool’s communities and have been funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“Black History Month is all year round, but October acts as vital moment to honour the contributions of Liverpool’s Black communities.

“These ten commissions reflect the power of creativity to inspire, educate, and connect us and are part of our ongoing commitment to support diverse voices

“Black History Month is not only a time to look back, but also to look forward, and through these ten new cultural projects we’re proud to provide a platform for local artists who can have the opportunity to share their lived experience. We hope these commissions will spark conversations and help shape a more inclusive cultural future for our city.”

Co-Creator of the More Than Words commission, Brodie Arthur, said:

“We’re thrilled to have received Culture Liverpool funding which means we can be part of this year’s Black History Month programme. Given that we set up More Than Words in October 2024, this is a perfect way to celebrate one year. 

“More Than Words is set to be a powerful evening of performance, community and celebration. Starting off with a panel discussion that will delve into how Black Industry Professionals are making their mark on the creative industry and how they are creating access for other Black Talent.”

“At a time when diverse voices need to be heard more than ever, we look forward to reflecting on the past, celebrating the present and, together, shaping a more inclusive future.”

Any other Liverpool-based organisation organising an activity which can be included in our Black History Month listings, can submit it on the dedicated Culture Liverpool page by filling in the form and naming it ‘BHM2025’.

Event listings and more information can be found on the Culture Liverpool website. 

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