Call For Permanent Exhibition And National Curriculum Inclusion
The impact of Black British music cannot be overstated. It has contributed billions in revenue for the UK economy and continues to shape global music trends, serving as a powerful force for social change. Through its ability to foster collaboration and unity across diverse communities, Black British music has become an essential part of the nation’s cultural fabric.
We are seeing a profound and growing interest in the history of Black British music: whether in the British Library’s “Beyond the Bassline” exhibition celebrating 500 years of Black British music; the “2 Tone: Lives & Legacies” exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry; “Dub London” at The London Museum; Google’s “Union Black: Sounds of a Nation”, or the forthcoming “The Music is Black” exhibition at V&A East.
This call is for a permanent exhibition to recognise and celebrate African and Caribbean performances, recordings and contributions to the evolution of genres that have reshaped British culture, while safeguarding rare artefacts, recordings, memorabilia, and untold stories for future generations. The exhibition space would dynamically explore the past while continuously reflecting the ever-evolving contributions of Black British musicians to the nation’s cultural landscape.
We also ask for the integration of Black British music into the school curriculum. This would serve to preserve the heritage of this culture and enrich students’ understanding of British history and its diverse cultural influences. The ultimate aim is to inspire young artists from all backgrounds by providing them with a deeper connection to their musical heritage, while fostering greater cultural awareness, inclusivity, and social cohesion across communities.
The BMRU, with support from the music industry and music fans, believes that, by establishing a permanent exhibition space and introducing Black British music into the curriculum, we can honour this vital legacy, ensuring its preservation and celebration for generations to come.
We, the undersigned, call upon the galleries, museums exhibition spaces and other potential stakeholders to support this objective:
BMRU Petition support document
This petition narrative draws upon the key themes below:
- The success of Black British music is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Black and White communities in the UK: This music has been created by Black artists, but has also been embraced, supported, and influenced by a diverse range of people from all backgrounds. Recognising this partnership is essential, as it highlights how mutual respect and shared passion have driven the growth and global influence of Black British music. By supporting this petition, we honour this collective effort, showcasing the unifying power of music across different communities.
- The profound impact of Black British music on British culture, society, and the economy: This petition highlights the need to tell the story of Black British music in schools as a vital step to safeguard this heritage for future generations.
- Establishing a permanent exhibition space: The increased institutional engagement with Black British music history has highlighted the need for a central location for research, curation and sharing of content. The petition asks that this space should be housed in a prominent location, accessible to all, and curated with input from Black British music experts, artists, and community members.
- Providing funding and support for the preservation and archiving of Black British music: This petition calls for your support to secure funding for a permanent exhibition space or online platform, in partnership with a major museum or archive as an investment in British history.
- The need for preservation and education: The petition is advocating for the inclusion of Black British music on the national curriculum, across the subjects of history, music, geography and literature. This should include a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that covers the history, genres, key figures, and cultural significance of Black British music. We would like to
begin conversations with senior figures on UK examination boards, as well as government agencies, cultural institutions, and forward-thinking educational funding bodies, to spearhead this movement for curriculum diversification.
- The importance of community engagement: The petition highlights the role of community archives, collaboration, and the lived experiences of Black British music creators and audiences. But it also calls for greater integration of community content and expertise in curriculum design, ensuring that it reflects the diverse voices and perspectives within Black British music.