Event location
Export Atrium
Event date
1st October - 29th October 2026
Price
Free
Black History Month 2026 at Republic
This October, Republic hosts a month of exhibitions, workshops and performances for Black History Month, curated and co-produced by Poplar collector Julie Elizabeth. It’s the second year we’ve worked with Julie, following a programme that grew out of a conversation between neighbours in 2025. Almost everything is free, and it’s open to students, staff, residents and anyone passing through East India Dock.
Exhibition: What Does a Collector Collect? Part two – I’ve made a place for you.
Thursday 1–Friday 30 October | Export Atrium | 8am–7pm daily | Free
Pieces from Julie Elizabeth’s private collection, which she has been building since 1988 through studio visits, art fairs, family gifts and long friendships with artists. At the centre is Jacqui Cooke‘s portrait Mary Seacole, framed by paintings from Omalola Mau‘s science series, a nod to Seacole’s medical practice during the Crimean War.
On the Collector’s Table, a prototype glass piece by Chris Day, The Heart of Emmett Till, sits alongside illustrated books by Lela Harris, ceramics by Isis Dove-Edwin and Isatu Hyde, abstract work by Fatima Mian and Ese Johnson’s 21st-century response to Josiah Wedgwood. Across portrait, ceramics and mixed media, the exhibition explores Black lives, identity, memory and overlooked histories.
Exhibiting artists: Jacqui Cooke, Omalola Mau, Lela Harris, Fatima Mian, Chris Day, Ese Johnson, Isatu Hyde, Isis Dove-Edwin and Love Hannington.
What’s on
Opening night: Mindful Paint & Sip
Tuesday 6 October | The Common Room | 5–7pm | Free, booking essential
A guided painting session with artist Love Hannington, whose practice draws on her Afro-Caribbean and Celtic heritage. Includes an introductory talk from curator Julie Elizabeth and a monologue from Masks and Unmasking. To book a place, email community@republic.london.
Workshop: Reclaiming the Image
Tuesday 13 October | The Common Room | 12–2pm | Free, drop in
A mixed-media workshop with Julie Elizabeth. Cut up and remake archival images, art books and fashion magazines to tell new stories of Black histories and futures.
Performance: It Gets Better!!!
Friday 16 October | The Common Room | 7–11pm | Free, limited places
A rehearsed reading of a new play by Kofi Agyemang (Say My Name Productions) about LGBTQ+ experiences of faith and belonging, followed by a panel discussion. The reading is part of Say My Name Productions’ work towards a full stage production. To request a place, email community@republic.london.
Workshop: Make Your Own Comic
Tuesday 20 October | The Common Room | 12–2pm | Free, drop in
A comic-making workshop with illustrator Skai Khari Joshua Campbell, covering characters, storytelling and drawing techniques.
Performance: Masks and Unmasking
Friday 23 October | The Common Room | 7–11pm | Tickets £8
A series of short plays by Charlotte Jennings, produced by Quassu Theatre Company, about the faces we present to the world and the truths beneath them. To book, email community@republic.london.
Closing night: Before Darfur
Tuesday 27 October | The Common Room | 5–7pm | Free
One night only: Jil Orpen’s photographs of Sudan, taken between 1975 and 1980, shown in support of Green Kordofan, the UK charity supporting displaced children in South Sudan. Orpen joins in conversation, alongside Letters to Sudan, a participatory session for students, residents and local families led by Raga Gibreel. Prints from the collection will be on sale on the night, with all proceeds going to Green Kordofan.
Visiting
Republic Education Campus, Export Building, 2 Clove Crescent, London E14 2BE
The closest station is East India DLR. Buses: D3, D6 or SL4.
When you arrive, please sign in at the front reception desk in the Export Building, where you’ll be given a visitor pass. There’s step-free access and accessible toilets in both the Import and Export Buildings. If you have any other access requirements, please email community@republic.london before your visit and we’ll help you plan it.
Tickets, RSVPs and enquiries
community@republic.london
About Julie Elizabeth, curator and co-producer
Julie Elizabeth is a Poplar-based art collector and cultural advocate whose collection celebrates Black lives, identity, heritage and everyday experience. Collecting since 1988, she uses collecting as a form of cultural preservation, supporting emerging and established artists from the UK, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Julie selected the exhibiting artists and workshop facilitators for this programme. You can follow her on Instagram at @gallery.outreach.tiger.
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