MANIFEST Newsletter: Virtual Exhibition, Abolition day, and more!

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MANIFEST Newsletter: December

Greetings, art and cultural enthusiasts!

Welcome to the latest edition of the MANIFEST newsletter for this current year. We are thrilled to present you the upcoming important news about MANIFEST, introducing the online exhibition "A NOUS L'HISTOIRE" taking place on 4-6 of December; the insightful article by Gerador's journalist Amina Bawa about the artistic residency; and the insights about the abolition day of slavery, a significant date for us as it is deeply linked to our mission. Don't miss our artistic showcase spotlight, where we'll show you a summary of our talented artists' works presented during MANIFEST's second artistic residency.

A NOUS L'HISTOIRE: Bridging Past and Present in the Metaverse

In a groundbreaking initiative, XR4Heritage is set to host a unique metaverse event titled "A NOUS L'HISTOIRE" from December 4 to 6, 2023, in Brussels and online. The focal point of this immersive experience is the inauguration of a virtual exhibition dedicated to Pan-Africanism and Afrofuturism, aiming to foster a virtual dialogue between historical avatars from the 1921 Pan-African Congress and contemporary cultural actors and activists. This innovative project delves into issues of discrimination and racism in real and virtual public spaces, culminating in a live media show on December 6, broadcasted on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

The heart of the event lies in the virtual exhibition hosted on the SPATIAL+ platform. On the 5th of December, participants can embark from 14:30 AM on virtual guided tours via Zoom, exploring three distinct exhibition zones (click here to join). Zone 1 houses archives and documentation on the pertinent topics, while Zone 2 serves as a Hall of Fame for the avatars catalogue. Zone 3, an exhibitor area, showcases the works of MANIFEST artists, inviting attendees to engage with impactful creations. Some of the participants from the MANIFEST project are Gombo,
Unity collective, Daniela Jakrlova' Riva, Luanda Carneiro and Bianca Turner and the On a Slamé Sur la Lune collective.

The objectives of "A NOUS L'HISTOIRE" are ambitious and profound. Firstly, the event seeks to promote the rich heritage of African cultures and those of African ancestry. Additionally, it aims to highlight the significant scientific, economic, political, and cultural contributions made by individuals of African descent to the development of Belgian society. Perhaps most crucially, the event aims to contribute to the ongoing work of memory surrounding Belgium's colonial past, addressing and challenging racism towards people of African descent in Belgian society.

More info and access here

Lisbon Artistic Residency seen by Gerador: Recriando a Memória da Europa sobre o Tráfico de pessoas Escravizadas

You can now read the full article in Portuguese on the Lisbon Artistic Residence that our partner Gerador has just published: "MANIFEST: Recriando a Memória da Europa sobre o Tráfico de Pessoas Escravizadas."

In the wake of the Hungarian debut, Lisbon played host to the MANIFEST project, where Gerador closely followed the activities of the second artistic residency. The article reveals the collaboration of 22 talented artists, each contributing to unique projects that will ultimately converge into a compelling exhibition set to take place in France in 2024.

MANIFEST seeks to challenge and reshape Europe's collective memory surrounding the transatlantic slave trade, presenting a diverse range of artistic expressions that engage with the historical narrative.

The article is now available for public consumption, offering readers a glimpse into the creative process, the artists' motivations, and the societal impact they hope to achieve.

Read here

December 2nd: International Day of the Abolition of Slavery

On this International Day of the Abolition of Slavery, MANIFEST stands in solidarity with the United Nations and the global community in remembrance and reflection. Our artistic project strives to illuminate untold stories from the transatlantic trade of enslaved people, reshaping Europe's collective memory.

As we commemorate the past, let us also acknowledge the present. Modern-day slavery persists, demanding our attention and action. Through MANIFEST, we seek to bridge historical narratives with the urgent call to end contemporary forms of exploitation. Together, let's amplify voices, raise awareness, and contribute to a world where freedom knows no bounds.

Watch our partner Gerador's Showcase recap video

Presenting Gerador’s Showcase full recap video from the Lisbon Artistic Residency!

On the last days of the artistic residency in Portugal, MANIFEST artists had the chance to work, showcase and give a presentation on their artistic approaches, giving lots of space to creativity and collaboration. Visit our Youtube channel to plunge into the entrancing experience that our artists starred in. The atmosphere was eclectic, filled with creativity and companionship and counted with the presence of local art enthusiasts and key figures from the arts and culture realm.

We're proud of how far our artists have come within the realms of artistic creation and cannot wait to see their mesmerising results.

Watch the video here

MANIFEST articles

MANIFEST invites you to have a look at the materials in our Resource Centre about the Portugal and its influence on the enslaved people trade through the history.

FROM JAZZ TO RAP, PERSPECTIVES AND MUSICAL EVOLUTIONS IN THE POST-SLAVERY WORLD, FROM THE UNITED STATES TO EUROPE

Jazz and rap, originating in the U.S. in the 1910s, have stylistically evolved over the years. Despite their differences and depending on the artists, both genres serve as narratives recounting the history of the enslaved people trade and its contemporary repercussions. Their influence has spread to Europe, where they continue to shape cultural expression today.

Click here to read the article.

THE MARCH OF 23 MAY 1998, PARIS, FRANCE

The memory of slavery in France traditionally centered on mainland political decisions, neglecting the experiences of enslaved peoples in the former colonies. The 23 May 1998 march marked a shift, embodying a new memorial perspective linked to France's overseas territories and the diaspora of descendants of slaves. The 23 May 1998 March Committee (CM98), established in late 1999, has since aimed to elevate awareness of this legacy and secure official recognition for it.

Click here to read the article.

“FORMATION” BY BEYONCÉ (2016). POP CULTURE AND THE SOCIAL MEMORY OF ENSLAVEMENT

Beyoncé, a global icon, has challenged the social memory of American enslavement in a globalized pop culture context. Through works like "Apeshit" and "Black is King," shot in Nigeria and Ghana, she offers postcolonial reinterpretations of cultural symbols. In "Formation" from the "Lemonade" album (2016), she weaves the cultural heritage of colonial Louisiana with her personal history, addressing forgotten aspects of the racial and intersectional issues in the USA.

Click here to read the article

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