Curated by Sonya Dyer, the exhibition reflected two journeys at the heart of Leeds carnival: the journey of carnival from its West African roots to Leeds via the Caribbean, and from its humble beginnings to being a highlight in Leeds’ cultural calendar.
Each gallery had a key object such as a photograph, costume or video that other items engaged with, pivoted around, contextualised or complicated. Going beyond simply celebrating the carnival’s fiftieth anniversary, the exhibition also situated it as a vital force in Leeds’ history, the UK and across the Caribbean diaspora. The exhibition ran alongside Joseph Buckley’s Brotherhood tapestry exhibition at The Tetley and was part of a wider programme of events and activities scheduled across the city.
To find out more about future Leeds Carnival events, visit www.leedscarnival.co.uk
In partnership with Leeds West Indian carnival. Supported by Heritage Lottery Fund.