C WORDS is an exhibition which tackles some of the most pressing issues of our time – this is climate change seen from the perspective of artists working within the global justice movement. It is about issues where global inequality, race and capitalism interlock. The combined work of 60 artists, activists and campaigners results an exciting season of events at the Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol.
As part of C WORDS on 7th November at 6.30pm, remember saro-wiwa joins forces with coalition partners African Writers Abroad for a night of poetry, performance that is ecclectic, Trans-Atlantic, inspired and dedicated to the memory of Ken Saro-Wiwa. The next day remember saro-wiwa hosts a discussion with guest speakers on the future of the oil-rich Niger Delta. We hope to see some of you there.
Event programme:
Saturday 7th November
No Condition is Permanent: an event by African Writers Abroad and remember saro-wiwa.
6.30pm – 8.30pm, Arnolfini Bristol, Gallery 3, free admission.
Poetry and performance with Dorothea Smartt, Simon Murray, Zena Edwards, Ross Martin, Edson Burton and others. Hosted by PLATFORM’s remember saro-wiwa project.
Join three performance poets and young writers, on intimate journeys that take you from the frontlines of climate injustice to radical hopes for a sustainable future. The event marks the 14th anniversary since the writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was executed by Nigerian government for his campaign against the impact of oil companies, in particular Shell, on the environment in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
Sunday 8th November
What’s the future of the Niger Delta?
2pm – 5pm
Arnolfini Bristol, Gallery 3, free admission.
Join a panel discussion with presentations from artist Sokari Douglas-Camp CBE, human rights campaigner Alice Ukoku, Stakeholder Democracy Network and remember saro-wiwa.
PLATFORM’s C Words exhibition highlights our uncomfortable dependence on Nigerian oil, asking the how can we respond, as artists and activists to the ongoing environmental devastation and injustice, corporate power and conflict? Where is the struggle for justice today, and what lies ahead for the region?
Speakers:
-Alice Ukoku is a campaigner from Delta State, who witnessed to the remarkable protest of hundreds of women who barricaded Shell’s office at Ogunu in July and August 2002 and managed to shut-in 25% of Nigeria’s oil production for 10 days, before the military forced the protestors from the site.
-Sokari Douglas-Camp CBE is a British artist of Nigerian origin and the creator of the groundbreaking Living Memorial to Ken Saro-Wiwa. She has worked with large-scale steel sculpture for over two decades. Short-listed for the Fourth Plinth in 2003, she currently exhibits nationally and internationally, including at the British Museum.
-Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) works to empower those worst affected by the activities of extractive industries in Nigeria and to help them to get a better deal.
-PLATFORM brings together artists, campaigners and researchers for projects driven by the need for social change. For over a decade, PLATFORM has been highlighted the social and environmental impact of the oil industry in key areas, including Nigeria.