WANAWAKE
WANAWAKE is a networking pilot for Black women working across arts, culture and the creative industries across the Midlands region and wider UK.
WANAWAKE is a pilot community engagement programme, creating intentional spaces for connection, shared reflection and collaboration. The project is commissioned by Arts Council England, and is a 12-month exploration running from October 2026 through to October 2027.
WANAWAKE seeks to respond to under-representation in cultural leadership and barriers to professional networks, funding and career progression.
Through collective gathering, we will explore participants’ experiences and priorities and test ways to strengthen creative networks.
How WANAWAKE will work…
Gatherings: Free creatively interactive events, including an exclusive limited ticketed launch and closing conference, supported by public online meetings
Dedicated Online Platform: The WANAWAKE online community has launched via Mighty Networks, providing space for members to build on connections, as well as for us to share, learn, laugh, build and grow - JOIN FREE HERE
Direct Emails: We’ll provide regular updates via direct email campaigns, updating you on our progress and sharing feedback, events and news
Counsel: Invited Black-heritage women from across the Arts, Culture, Creativity and Heritage sectors providing focused challenge, counsel and care
Communications: Regular organic content and paid advertising through Instagram, LinkedIn, Meta (Whatsapp Community Group) and supporting website platforms
Sign up for WANAWAKE events, updates & more
Join our WANAWAKE database for updates on future events, the Counsel, plus the launch of our dedicated digital platform too. We never share your data with third parties.
