Radical Rhizomes’ first ever public celebration, Rhize Up Fest, took place on Sunday 24th March 2024 at Ironworks and it was an utterly inspiring, joyful and connected day, honouring the Radical Rhizomes project and its community of creative QTIBPoC*. We showcased and shared just some of the magic that our amazing members have to offer, and demonstrated what creativity and community can look and feel like when designed with care and intersectionality as guiding principles.

It was an absolute thrill to see so many members and their friends and allies showing up and taking part in the plethora of QTIBPoC led activities on offer, reflecting some of the highlights of the last 5+ years of our creativity and community with Radical Rhizomes. Offering tasters from our 2022/23 programme, Rhize Up featured a Vogue class led by House Mother Bambi, an exhibition of our participatory arts project by Soofiya and creative activities from artists and community members Adriana, Andi and Soofiya that sprung from our RR events.

In addition we held a thought provoking and empowering Long Table discussion focussing on QTIBPoC lived experiences in Brighton and Hove, we sold artworks, craft and books created by Radical Rhizomes members. We rounded off the event with a rousing open mic and singalong with Karaoke, filling up our lungs with joy and laughter.

As we reflect on the magic and energy of Rhize Up Fest, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible support and dedication of our community. Your presence and participation made the day truly special, showcasing the beauty of Radical Rhizomes and the power of intersectional creativity. In particular we would love to send extra appreciation to our volunteers for giving their time to help the day run smoothly.

Now, as we look ahead to the future, we invite you to continue supporting our mission. Your donations enable us to keep creating spaces where joy, connection, and activism intersect. Whether it’s funding our workshop facilitators, healthy hot food, or fun activities, every contribution makes a difference.

Together, we can continue to Rhize Up and celebrate Radical Rhizomes as glistening threads, woven into the vibrant tapestry of Brighton and Hove’s intersecting communities. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

*QTIBPoC: Queer, Trans and Intersex Black people, People of Colour

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Pictures from Rhize Up Fest

Image description: A group of workshop participants stand behind an instructor (Bambi) on a purple lit stage, with their hands on their hips.

Image description: Three people sit around a table while drawing and cutting paper, smiling and talking.

Image description: A man in a red hat (Tarik Elmoutawakil) speaks into a microphone.

Image description: A community member leads a blessing. They stand on stage in black and white, speaking into a microphone and motioning to their ear.

Image description: From Soofiya’s Breaking Bread exhibition – a small handmade clay pot, on a purple background, with the word ‘Connection’ written on it with paint and small colourful illustrations.

Images credit: All images by Bugz (@shotbybugz)