Roots & Visions Exhibition: Celebrating Belfast's BIPOC Community Through Art, Culture, and Creativity

The Roots & Visions Exhibition, curated by Alayex, stands out as a shining gem in the Sound of Belfast 2023 programme, promising an unforgettable evening for artists, creative industry members, and anyone with an appreciation for art and music.

Photographed by Macy Stewart

One of Sound of Belfast’s key aims is to represent the heart and soul of the city, ensuring a diverse array of artists are included in each year’s programme. The Roots & Visions Exhibition aims to offer a powerful opportunity for local BIPOC artists to introduce themselves and their art to a wider audience. Beyond art, this event is a safe space for vital discussions surrounding the issues that affect the BIPOC community. It's a platform for connecting, networking, and building bridges between creative minds.

Taking place at Oh Yeah Music Centre on the 13th of November, the Roots & Visions Exhibition is a must-attend cultural celebration that spotlights some of the city's most exceptional artists.

Art, Music, Discussions, Food & Drinks!

Roots & Visions is an evening of art, engaging discussions, live music, and culinary delights. The evening will kick off with a video screening, which shows each of the artists involved in the exhibition to introduce themselves and their work.

Renowned Soul artist and trailblazer Siobhann Brown will then lead a thought-provoking panel discussion. This discussion explores ideas central to the BIPOC community, culture, and identity.

Photographed by Macy Stewart

Throughout the evening, you'll be treated to four live performances, each a showcase of MOBO talent. Live acts gracing the Oh Yeah stage include Rwanda Shaw, Don Chi, Alicia Raye and Daniel August. Followed by a DJ set to keep the energy alive well into the night. 

But that's not all – there will be a drinks reception courtesy of McConnell's Irish Whiskey and a selection of local food vendors who will serve up a delightful array of flavours (veggie & vegan options too!). Because what better way is there to bring people together than through the joy of food and drinks?

Behind the Scenes with Alayex’s Alicia Raye

Photographed by Macy Stewart

Alicia Raye is the visionary behind Roots & Visions. Her primary objectives in bringing Roots & Visions to life are clear: to showcase the creative brilliance within Belfast's BIPOC community while dismantling the barriers of segregation.

The genesis of  Roots & Visions has been brewing in Alicia's mind for quite some time. For the last four years, she's been acutely aware of the glaring lack of representation and opportunities for BIPOC creatives in Northern Ireland and has wanted to combat this. Roots & Visions is ultimately born out of Alicia’s desire to provide a platform where talented individuals can shine.

The journey to making Roots & Visions a reality took a pivotal turn when Alicia met Oh Yeah's Talent Development Manager, Charlene Hegarty. It was a serendipitous encounter that created the place, space and support structure to turn the idea into a reality.

Alicia's aspirations for Roots & Visions extend beyond the event itself. She wants attendees to recognise the importance and impact of cross-cultural connections. 

In her own words, she emphasises the need for "less barriers for entry into creative spaces" and the fundamental requirement for "creative minds to feel seen." Roots & Visions is more than just an event; it's a catalyst for change, fostering a sense of belonging, representation, and the recognition that creative minds from all backgrounds need to shine. Alicia Raye's dedication and vision are at the heart of Roots & Visions, making this event not just a celebration but a call to action for a more inclusive and vibrant creative landscape in Belfast and beyond.

We invite you to be part of this transformative experience by reserving your free ticket for the Roots & Visions Exhibition on November 13th at the Oh Yeah Music Centre.

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