– Panel will discuss challenges, barriers, and opportunities in PEI –

February 22, 2022 – To cap off Black History Month, a collection of Black artists will be sharing their experiences and stories of working in Prince Edward Island.

Confederation Centre of the Arts is hosting the panel discussion, which will be moderated by diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant Evelyn Bradley of Beyond the BRIM Consulting.

The panel is comprised of artists from an array of disciplines, including music, theatre, dance, visual art, and media. Speakers include:

Niyi Adeogun, Visual Artist, Design Engineer
Kierrah Celeste, Musician
Alana Hibbert, Theatre Performer, former company member of The Charlottetown Festival
Richard Schroeter, Media Artist
Dawn Ward, Dancer, Associate Artistic Director of Performing Arts at Confederation Centre

The event will consist of introductions and stories from each artist, followed by opportunities for the audience to ask questions.

“There are BIPOC Islanders looking to create art here, but they are uncertain of how they fit into the community or an organization,” says Dawn Ward, Associate Artistic Director of Performing Arts at Confederation Centre. “The goal of this panel is to provide guidance on best practices that will help create greater diversity in the Island’s cultural sector.”

Arts in Colour: Stories from Black Island Artists will take place on Friday, February 25 at 7:00 pm at The Mack. As per current CPHO guidelines, the maximum capacity of the event is 50% of venue capacity (100 people). Admission is free and on a first come, first seated basis. To attend this event, you must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask at all times.

Confederation Centre is hosting other events celebrating Black artists this week. Haitian-Canadian musician Wesli and his festive band will take the stage at The Mack on February 24, marking the restart of the LIVE @ the Centre season. The award winner’s music fuses Afrobeat, reggae, and Haitian rara into an energetic and irresistible performance.

The exhibition Secret Codes: Quilts From and Inspired by Nova Scotia’s Black Communities opens on February 25 at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery. Evoking historic quiltmaking traditions associated with storytelling, the quilts on display capture motifs reflecting the experience of Black Nova Scotians.

For more information on all events, visit confederationcentre.com.

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