The Everyman & Playhouse have announced their first Everyman Connects event on Saturday 30 April. A free day of art, food and conversation about how our cultural spaces can do more and be more for the Global Majority.
The day will be centred around a Panel Discussion asking the central question, “how can our cultural spaces be more and do more for us?” Panel Guests include Kim Johnson MP, activist Chantelle Lunt, multi-disciplinary artist Paislie Reid, Artistic Director of 20 Stories High Keith Saha, writer Naomi Sumner Chan and will be hosted by Dominique Walker of the Anthony Walker Foundation.
From 12 noon, there will be performances from performer and writer Felix Mufti, Neo-Jazz Singer-Songwriter Ni Maxine, DJ Hannah Lynch, with an open mic jam lead by 20 Stories High closing the event.
While the Street Café will be transformed into a Market Place for Global Majority led arts organisations and businesses, including Pagoda Arts, Milapfest, Falling Doors Theatre, Anthony Walker Foundation, Sumuyya, Ray Rayz, Deserts by Dre and Little Green Juice Box represented. Lunch will be available, with Ray Rayz and Deserts by Dre providing food.
Everyman Connects continues the theatres’ journey of ongoing change as part of their Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The day has been created as part of a two year Truth and Reconciliation process with 20 Stories High and other artists, theatre freelancers of colour in Liverpool and supported by Kim Johnson MP.
From this, the theatres have undertaken a series of positive actions to bring about change, including the formation of a Diversity Action Group.
Brodie Arthur, a writer, actress and facilitator who sits on the theatre’s Diversity Action Group explained:
“If we are to drive change within the theatres, the wider sector and society, organisations need to listen and learn from those with lived experience of racism. Changing attitudes and established working practices does not happen overnight but the first step is to acknowledge that change must happen and Everyman Connects will be an important step in the journey.”
Nathan Powell, Artistic Associate (Community & Young People) for the theatres who is leading on the event said:
“Since October we’ve been looking at how we take some of the provocations from My White Best Friend North forward. A conversation around the openness (or not) of our cultural spaces for the Global Majority felt vital and we were keen to bring an artistic response too, commissioning Ni, Felix, Hannah and 20 Stories High. We’re pleased to bring people to eat and share together as part of the day, as we ask the question ‘How can the Everyman be the space you need it to be?’.”
Mark Da Vanzo, CEO added:
“We’re striving to be an anti-racist organisation that truly understands what it means to be a welcoming and safe space for all. The day will be a chance for us to listen and commit to doing better, building bridges with the Global Majority of Liverpool’s City Region. Our new Creative Director Suba Das will be actively involved throughout the day, as we continue our commitment to positive social change.”
Everyman Connects is at the Everyman on Saturday 30th April from 12 noon. The panel discussion is scheduled for a 3.15pm start. The day is free but booking is required at www.everymanplayhouse.com/everyman-connects