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BELONGINGS: Windrush 75 Anniversary – Art Film Installation

The Evewright Arts Foundation (EAF) bring “Belongings: Windrush 75,” a significant part of the Windrush 75th anniversary celebrations this month.

To honour the waiting period endured by the passengers of the Empire Windrush before disembarking at Tilbury in 1948, EAF will host a captivating art and film installation over a continuous 36-hour period, spanning from Saturday to Sunday.

Notably, it will feature two new film works by artist Evewright, namely “Motherless Child” and “Here I Stand,” exploring the resilience, identity, and determination of a generation.

The program will also include “The Movement of the People,” a dance film by Phoenix Dance Theatre, selected films from local artists, a new film created by young people from Gateway Learning Community schools in Tilbury, and a captivating live performance.

The presentation of these film works will be enhanced with photographs, sound, and words, accompanied by images of the Empire Windrush’s original passenger list, creating an immersive experience amplified by headphones throughout the weekend.

Additionally, on Saturday evening, attendees will be treated to a DJ set celebrating the musical influence of the past 75 years.

This extraordinary program will take place at the London International Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, commencing at 12pm on Saturday, June 24, and concluding at 6pm on Sunday, June 25.

The event is free and open to all, with attendees invited to embrace the spirit of the era by donning optional period costumes.

Tilbury Port holds profound historical significance for the black community in Britain, and this artwork stands as a poignant tribute to the lives of those who arrived from the Caribbean, proudly bearing their British passports as citizens with hope and expectation.

Serving as one of the original walkways where passengers of the SS Empire Windrush disembarked in 1948, this iconic location represents the first significant wave of British colonial citizens to arrive post-war at Tilbury Cruise Terminal, although many had arrived prior to 1948. Public Opening Times.

June 24- 25th, 12pm Saturday - Sunday 6pm - Admission is free. Location: Tilbury International Cruise Terminal Essex RM18 7NJ

A Windrush Grant Funded Project

Once again Butetown Community Centre Wales will host an event to celebrate our beloved Windrush Generation.

Two events will be held on 17th June 2023 and on Windrush Day 22nd June 2023.The events are being held at the Centre where the Windrush contribution to the UK is a permanent feature depicted by two commissioned art pieces as displayed in the photo- graphs attached. The first piece shows the journey to the UK of Empire Windrush and the second piece tells the story of the hostile environment.

A third and final piece is now being commission which will tell the story of those ‘left behind’ whilst their family members answered the call of the Uk to come and help rebuild it after the devastating effects of WW2.

Also see page 77