Making a rukus!

The brand-new exhibition, curated by artist, filmmaker and co-founder of rukus! federation, Topher Campbell, explores Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans creativity, activism, community and pride through archive materials, contemporary artworks and brand-new commissions, celebrating the work of Black LGBTQ+ pioneers and artists since the 1970s. The exhibition demonstrates that the rukus! archive, which takes its inspiration from causing a ruckus, or making a noise, is not a work of static historical documentation, but an ongoing and vital series of political and artistic interventions that bears witness to the joy, friendship, resistance, and creative endeavours of Black LGBTQ+ people in Britain.

The exhibition is accompanied by a public programme of talks, tours, and events, alongside a brand-new film commission.

Throughout the run of the exhibition, we will fly a rukus! flag designed by multidisciplinary artist Jacob V Joyce, symbolising the ongoing impact and legacy of the rukus! Federation.

The exhibition will coincide with the return of the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, the world's only international art fair dedicated to contemporary African art and its diaspora, which comes to Somerset House for its twelfth edition in London. Aligning with Frieze London and Frieze Masters, this year's event is scheduled for 10 - 13 October 2024 and features more than 60 galleries and 180 artists.

Special thanks to The London Archives for their generous support on lending archival material from the rukus! Federation Limited.