In 2023 and 2024 we commissioned exciting Northern artists to explore collective memory, history and lineage through their own experiences.
Inspired by guest workshops and archival research at the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah RACE Centre they developed brand new works with deep connections to their own heritage.
Here to Remember 2023
Focusing on Black and Black mixed heritage artists, we commissioned songwriter Daudi Matsiko, music producer/DJ Mia Koden and musician/visual designer Obeka.
Working with mentors Angeline Morrison, Khaleb Brooks and NikNak for inspiration, the three created new works exploring the Black experience.
At an end-of-commission showcase at The Carlton Club, hosted by Magic EKJ:
- Mia Koden sampled interviews with her family to craft a story exploring themes of being and belonging
- Daudi presented a series of musical vignettes about community, resilience and Daudi’s own heritage as a British-Ugandan
- Obeka created an immersive audiovisual experience charting carnival culture through field recordings, interviews and photography
“Working in the archives has become the most insightful start to a project for me, an amazing way to commence a body of work confidently."
Obeka
Here to Remember 2024
Focusing on South Asian and South Asian mixed heritage artists, we commissioned DJ/producer Hu-Sane, producer/electronic musician Astrolayb, and DIY audiovisual artist/DJ m3UNTITLED.
Partnering with Daytimers to curate activity, the three took part in guest workshops with Balraj Samrai, Raheel Khan, DJ Ritu and Rizmi, and visited the Beacon Valley to help inspire them.
At an end-of-commission showcase at Longsight Community Art Space:
- Hu-Sane offered a personal reflection on archiving her family’s stories and her Northern mixed heritage through three UK Garage tracks infused with Punjabi influences, accompanied by evocative visuals
- Astrolayb delivered a three-part, immersive, sample-based composition, drawing inspiration from his childhood memories and exploring the Kannada language through the lens of food, religion, and action films
- m3UNTITLED presented a speculative performance piece, split into three acts, that delves into the archives of the forgotten WWII muslim soldiers, intertwining the history of the Bradford riots and the unique culture of Bradford's car scene
“Phrases like life-changing can be thrown about quite easily without much thought being given to them. But for me this project has definitely been truly life-changing. The person I was before is far different to the person I will be after it.”
Astrolayb
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Credits
Here to Remember is supported by Arts Council England, Manchester City Council, GMCA, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Foyle Foundation, The Granada Foundation and PRS Foundation as a Talent Development Partner (supported by PPL).
Photos by Alice Kanako.
