Celebrating Women’s History Month with Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage

By Lauryne Mpah-Lémy

As part of this year’s celebrations for International Women’s Day, the Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage is proud to present a captivating exhibition titled 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark currently on display at Curve, Leicester.  This powerful showcase features 104 stunning portraits of influential Black women who have shaped the history and landscape of the UK.  The exhibition runs until 31 May 2025 and is an unmissable opportunity to discover the remarkable contributions of Black women to British life.

The Artists and the Portraits

This exhibition brings together the work of five incredibly talented Black female artists based in the UK: Valerie Asiimwe Amani, Yvadney Davis, Gayle Ebose, Grace Lee, and Lauryn Pinard. Through their vivid and colourful artwork, they highlight the significance of Black women in the arts, as both subjects and artists.  The exhibition features a diverse range of portraits, from Baroness Valerie Amos, the pioneering politician and diplomat, to Tessa Sanderson CBE, the Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower.  Each portrait not only tells a story but also underscores the crucial importance of representation in the arts.

A Different Perspective on History

The exhibition occupies a bright, welcoming space on the mezzanine floor of Curve Theatre, offering visitors a unique experience that breaks away from the traditional gallery format.  As you journey through the vibrant portraits, which embrace different mediums from digital art and photography through to sculpture and painting, you will see UK history through a different lens.  The exhibition is accompanied by a podcast series, an exhibition catalogue and an education pack to enrich your understanding of the stories and achievements of 100 remarkable Black women who have made significant contributions to society.  This exhibition is a celebration of diversity, culture, and the impact of Black women, both historically and today.

Why Representation in the Arts Matters

Representation in the arts is vital for everyone, especially for young people.  How many times have you visited a gallery or museum and thought, “I do not see anyone who looks like me?”  Seeing ourselves represented in art is essential, it helps us feel seen, heard and acknowledged.  For children and young people, especially, this representation shapes how they view the world and reminds them that they too can accomplish great things. 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark plays a pivotal role in offering this visibility, making sure that these women’s inspiring legacies are honoured and remembered.

International Women’s Day

In addition to the exhibition, Serendipity is hosting an event for International Women’s Day on 8 March.  Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start, showcasing the UK premiere of the documentary Binta – The Conversation, directed by multi-genre artist and cultural activist Opal Palmer Adisa. The film shines a light on the career of the late Jamaican writer Jean “Binta” Breeze, the first woman to emerge as a dub poet in the 1980s, whose work has become a classic of Caribbean literature.

Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion with Opal Palmer Adisa alongside Zamzam Ibrahim, climate activist and founder of IYADA, and Stella Kanu, CEO at Shakespeare’s Globe, two of the featured women in 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark, as they reflect on Breeze’s legacy and explore the continued conversation about Black women, culture, and the challenges of stigmatisation and silence.

This event promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking evening, encouraging vital discussions on representation, culture, and the importance of amplifying Black women’s voices in both the arts and society.

Join Us for This Incredible Celebration!

Do not miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to experience the 100 Black Women Who Have Made A Mark exhibition and participate in our International Women’s Day event. It’s a chance to honour the legacies of Black women, celebrate their achievements, and engage in meaningful conversations that are shaping the future of art and culture.

See you there!