Appetite and Kwanzaa Collective UK* are hosting a series of free family-friendly drop-in activities at Newcastle Common. As part of the ongoing Africa 54 programme, artists will be working in the Astley Walk space for you to go along, chat to them about their work and have a go yourself.
The workshops are on Monday 24 – Saturday 29 throughout the half-term school holiday. Every session is FREE, all materials will be provided and there is no need to book. Everybody is welcome to come join in and there is no lower (or upper!) age limit. We’ll see you there!
Monday 24 October 1pm -2.30pm Drawing and Painting with Laura Mae
Join artist Laura Mae in this fun drawing and painting workshop aimed at families. No experience needed.
There is one 90-minute session, beginning at 1pm. To make the most of it, you should aim to arrive at the start, although you’ll still be welcomed if you drop by once it’s started.
Tuesday 25 October 1-2.30pm Gumboot Dancing
Following the success of his African Drumming workshop in Hanley as part of the Big Feast 2022, Bruce Ncube invites you to join this free gumboot dancing workshop. Bring your brightest wellies! (If you want to …)
There is one 90-minute session, so please arrive by 1pm to make sure you can join in the warm-up.
Wednesday 26 October 11am-12pm Anansi the Spider Tales
Performer Diana Abankwah will spin an incredible tale in this interactive session of storytelling, learning and craft themed around one of the greatest folk heroes in the world: Anansi the Spider. Taking the role of a cunning, wise trickster, Anansi is one of the most important characters of West African and Caribbean folklore.
There is one 60-minute session, beginning at 11am. To make the most of it, you should aim to arrive at the start, although you’ll still be welcomed if you drop by once it’s started.
Thursday 27 October 1-2.30pm Sgraffito
Join artist-in-residence and TRIBES exhibitor Daby to create scratch art revealing beautiful African patterns. Either take your creations home or leave them to be shown in Astley Walk!
There is one 90-minute session, beginning at 1pm. To make the most of it, you should aim to arrive at the start, although you’ll still be welcomed if you drop by once it’s started.
Friday 28 October 12-3pm Stone Sculpting
Zimbabwean sculpture Thomas will guide you to make your own piece of beautiful art in this free introduction to stone sculpting workshop. All materials and tools will be provided and you get to take your creations home. What will yours be?
There is one three-hour session beginning at 12pm and it is essential that you are there from the beginning. This session is for a maximum of 10 people and slots will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please make sure that you can stay for the whole session when deciding to join.
Saturday 29 October 1-2.30pm Zine Making
Join artist-in-residence William Attieku Ntiamoah as he shows you how to make a zine (DIY magazine). Make your own zine, or help William create his zine and be an official part of the TRIBES: Matabeleleand to Staffordshire exhibition!
There is one 90-minute session, beginning at 1pm. To make the most of it, you should aim to arrive at the start, although you’ll still be welcomed if you drop by once it’s started.
