Opal22 Arts and Edutainment

26/03/2026

This month we take a look at all the upcoming opportunities for this year’s Windrush Tea Party on the 20th June and our monthly book, artist, and exhibition recommendations!

Sign up via the link in our bio

25/03/2026

A poignant moment from Professor Robert Beckford’s lecture at Britain Re-Written: Discuss, Decode, Decolonise.

Part of Opal22’s 2025 Black History Month campaign, the evening brought together leading thinkers and Professor Robert Beckford to explore the colonial legacies embedded in Britain’s archives, museums, and public spaces.

Full video available exclusively on Patreon

Link in bio

23/03/2026

Calling all people of mixed heritage!

We’re hosting a relaxed focus group discussion on identity and what the term “half-caste” means to you. Share your experiences, reflect, and help shape a wider creative project.

Participants will also have the chance to take part in a short filmed segment.

As a thank you, all participants receive a £20 gift voucher.
Spots are limited – sign up via the link in our bio!

20/03/2026

Opal22 wishes an Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate!

17/03/2026

Call for Stall Holders!

We’re looking for amazing stall holders to join us at our Windrush Tea Party on 20th June!

This special event will celebrate community, culture, and the legacy of the Windrush generation. We’d love to hear from local creatives, small businesses, and food vendors who’d like to showcase their work and be part of the day.

✨ Sell your products
✨ Connect with the community
✨ Celebrate culture with us

Interested in having a stall? Get in touch with us via DM or email to secure your spot or head to the link in our bio!

05/03/2026

One month since All Shades of Brown #
We’re still feeling so grateful for everyone who made the day what it was: an empowering and necessary space for creatives across the Midlands.

From powerful panels and performances to meaningful conversations and connections, the conference was all about amplifying Black and Brown voices and supporting sustainable creative careers.

Huge thank you to our keynote Keith Piper, our speakers, performers, partners and everyone who showed up and shared their energy with us.

If you missed the event, don’t worry Full panel talks will be released on our Patreon soon, so keep an eye out.

We already can’t wait for next year.

26/02/2026

This month we take a look at the highlights from All Shades of Brown and reveal the artists selected for our upcoming exhibition with De Montfort University.

Sign up via the link in our bio!

17/02/2026

Opal22 is deeply saddened by the passing of Jesse Jackson.

His courage, conviction, and determination to create space where none existed left a lasting impact. His presence and engagement with communities reminded us that work rooted in justice, heritage, and dignity belongs everywhere.

His legacy continues to inspire and will ripple across generations. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

13/02/2026

Take look at some of the photos from All Shades of Brown!

This event was a beautiful space of creativity and unity and we hope everyone that attended left with something meaningful!

To anyone that took part, please fill in the feedback from if you haven't already and let us know your favourite moments and what you want to see at next years event!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ASB26

Thank you to all the attendees, speakers, performers, artists, and stall holders that took part, to Arts Council England and UKSPF for funding the event, and to De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) for supporting.

All photos credited to Trevor Price

13/02/2026

06/02/2026

All Shades of Brown 2026 was a celebration of Midlands’ Black and Brown creatives. Together, we filled the room with energy, brilliance, and the kind of connection that reminds us why our work matters.

As a space where our voices are seen, our creativity is celebrated, and our talent cannot be ignored, the the joy in the room became proof: when we come together, we thrive.

And this is just the beginning.

Follow us for highlights, artist features, behind-the-scenes moments, and all the creative inspiration coming your way!

03/02/2026

All Shades of Brown is the only conference in the Midlands dedicated to Global Majority creatives.
Black & Brown creatives are still underserved, underrepresented, and overlooked in the industry.

This space exists to change that!

🎤 Keynote from legendary artist Keith Piper
🗣️Panels on the Midlands creative scene, funding & authenticity
💼 Workshops on turning art into income + building sustainable careers
🎭 Powerful live performances

This is where connections are made and careers grow.

You Belong Here!

Get your tickets before they’re gone.