UAL Black Creatives Hub: 2-year anniversary celebration

To celebrate the 2-year anniversary of the launch of the Black Creatives Hub at University of the Arts London (UAL), we’re hosting an evening that brings together Black creatives and allies for an inspiring evening of honest conversations, shared experiences and a chance to connect.

The event will feature a panel of prominent speakers from across the arts, including Chanté Joseph, award-winning writer, podcast presenter and cultural commentator, Ade "Àsìkò" Okelarin, multidisciplinary visual artist and Danielle Udogaranya, multi-award-winning creative technologist, cultural innovator and Founder of EBONIX.

Chairing the panel is Maureen Salmon, Associate Dean of Knowledge Exchange at London College of Communication and producer of the documentary Windrush75: Forging Ahead and researcher in pan-African diaspora practices, leadership, equality, diversity, inclusion, arts management and business models.

The discussion will be followed by an interactive Q&A, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and join the conversation.

There’ll also be a live performance by actor and UAL student, Kathryn Lagon-Stanislausand an opportunity to meet and network with other creatives over food and drinks.

This event is open to UAL students, staff, alumni and external guests with an interest in the arts.

Agenda

5:45 PM - 6:15 PM - Guest arrivals, registration and refreshments

6:15 PM - 6:30 PM - Introductions and opening speeches

6:30 PM - 6:45 PM - Special performance

6:45 PM - 7:45 PM - Panel discussion

7:45 PM - 8:05 PM - Q&A

8:05 PM - 8:15 PM - Closing remarks

8:15 PM - 9:00 PM - Refreshments and networking

9PM - Close

Accessibility

There is step-free access for this event and the evening will take place on the ground floor. If you have any accessibility requirements or queries, please contact us in advance at blackcreatives@arts.ac.uk so that we can make necessary arrangements.

You can also find detailed access guides and routes within Central Saint Martins - King's Cross on the AccessAble website.

Our panel

Rayvenn Shaleigha D'Clark

Rayvenn Shaleigha D’Clark is a London-based digital sculptor whose work commemorates overlooked figures in the public realm. Her practice explores the complexities of race, representation and digital hybridity in contemporary art. She combines advanced digital technologies with traditional sculptural techniques, creating nuanced representations of anatomy and identity across both speculative and historical contexts.

Chanté Joseph

Chanté Joseph is an award-winning, London-based writer, presenter and cultural commentator. She has written for British Vogue, The Guardian and VICE, and presented for Channel 4. As the former host of The Guardian’s British Podcast Award-winning Pop Culture Podcast, she partners with brands including Spotify and adidas to shape conversations around culture and identity.

Ade "Àsìkò" Okelarin

Àsìkò is a self-taught visual artist whose practice bridges his Nigerian heritage and British upbringing, exploring themes of cultural identity, displacement and hybridity. Born in the UK and raised in Nigeria, his work celebrates African culture while challenging traditional beauty standards and reimagining Black identity. His work has been exhibited internationally, including at The Gagosian, Venice Biennale and 1-54 Art Fair, and featured in The Guardian, Financial Times, BBC, CNN and Vogue.

Danielle Udogaranya

Danielle Udogaranya is a multi-award-winning creative technologist and Founder of EBONIX, a platform redefining representation in gaming and digital culture. Known for reshaping how identity appears in virtual worlds, she leads The Ebonix Foundation and its flagship programme Black Lines of Code, championing pathways for underrepresented creators in tech and games. She has collaborated with brands including The Sims, Samsung, Meta, Xbox, Sky and Dark & Lovely and spoken at SXSW, Gamescom, London Games Festival, Afrotech, and BAFTA.