Living Black at University: Book Launch and Conversations

Is an anti-racist university possible?

Join us for an afternoon of readings and conversations exploring the possibilities and challenges of building more anti-racist universities.

Drawing on the book’s contributions, we’ll explore themes including Black students’ mental health, white spaces in art and design education, student accommodation, activism and universities’ civic responsibilities to Black communities. Together, we’ll consider how anti-racist praxis can be embedded beyond the curriculum and across university life.

This session is particularly aimed at academic and professional services colleagues interested in improving the experiences of Black students and developing anti-racist practice across higher education. There will be opportunities to reflect, exchange perspectives and engage with the ideas emerging from the book.

From 5pm, the event continues with a more forward-looking conversation bringing students and contributors together to explore possibilities for change. Colleagues are warmly invited to stay for this session and the relaxed social afterwards, with light refreshments and live music.

Alongside the programme, you’re invited to contribute to the GEMS community quilt, celebrating 30 years of the GEMS staff network.

About the book

Living Black at University: Anti-Racist Praxis Beyond the Curriculum will be published by Manchester University Press in December 2026. Building on the 2022 Living Black at University report and Commission, it brings together more than 15 contributors from across higher education to examine the realities of anti-racist practice in universities today.

Schedule

Readings and conversations begin at 3pm and 4pm, followed by a further session at 5pm. The event concludes at 6.30pm with time to connect over light refreshments and live music.

3-4pm: Structural violence and racialised harm in higher education

4-5pm: Lived experience and embodied knowledge

5-6pm: Praxis and possibiity - towards an anti-racist university

6 - 6.30pm: Social, refreshments and live music

Who should attend

UAL academic and professional services colleagues interested in anti-racist practice, student experience and creative education. Students are also welcome to attend any or all of the event.

Where

Archwood House, Eagle Wharf, 90–96 Peckham Hill Street, London SE15 5JT

Time: 3–5.30pm, with the wider event continuing until 6.30pm.

Hosted by: UAL Learning and Teaching Directorate, Engagement Team

Extra information

Registration Instructions

Please only register for yourself, if you wish to share with others please refer them to the event listing.

Event booking confirmation and reminders

When you book your place, you will receive a booking confirmation email and reminder emails. Please check your spam/junk folder if you do not receive them.

Tickets can be booked up to 30 minutes before the event.

Cancellation

If you can no longer attend this event we’d appreciate it if you could cancel your place within the booking system. This gives others the opportunity to take your space.

We reserve the right to cancel this event if we do not get enough numbers, or due to other circumstances outside of our control. You will be notified via email if this happens.

Accessibility

The Learning & Teaching Directorate strives to make both our physical and online events accessible for all our participants. If you would like to discuss your needs prior to booking please contact us: learningandteaching@arts.ac.uk.

Find us on our Website

Sign up to our monthly e-newsletter

Questions? Contact us at learningandteaching@arts.ac.uk

Image credit: Chloe Nantongo, 2025 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, UAL School of Pre-degree Studies