In Conversation with Lanre Bakare and Lisa Anderson
Foyle Rooms
Join us for an in conversation with author and journalist Lanre Bakare and independent arts consultant Lisa Anderson.
Following the opening of Resistance, author and journalist Lanre Bakare and former Director of Black Cultural Archives Lisa Anderson join us in the Foyle Rooms for an in conversation discussing themes of the exhibition and Bakare’s debut book We Were There.
We Were There is a cultural and social history of black Britain during the Thatcher era, with a focus on stories outside of London. The book brings into the spotlight for the first time extraordinary Black lives in once-rich cities now home to failing industries: the foundries of Birmingham, the docks of Liverpool and Cardiff, the mills of Bradford. London was only ever part of the picture – We Were There is about incorporating a vastly broader range of Black Britons into the fabric of our national story.
Pre-order a copy of We Were There with your event ticket for a 10% discount. You’ll be able to collect your copy of the book on the day of the event.
Book tickets
Thoughts on We Were There
A vital corrective that enhances our understanding of black British history by moving the narrative outside of London.
Steve McQueen
Essential, unique and joyful. It broadens our story and ensures that the scale of our influence across the UK is fully recognised and appreciated. Utterly brilliant
Dipo Faloyin, author of Africa Is Not A Country
An urgent conversation about Britishness and the breadth of black British experience … Affecting and insightful.
Arifa Akbar, author of Consumed
A revelation … told with such love and tender, evocative prose that it immediately colourises the present.
Nesrine Malik, author of We Need New Stories
An important and ambitious book. Bakare has found the right stories and language to do it justice.
Andy Beckett, author of Promised You A Miracle
Fascinating … told with pace, wit, scholarship, and nuance – it taught me so much.
Ed Caesar, author of The Moth and the Mountain
Full of energy and purpose … We Were There will help you see Britain with completely fresh eyes.
Pragya Agarwal, author of Sway
Lanre Bakare
Lanre Bakare was born and grew up in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He is a correspondent covering arts and culture for the Guardian where his writing focuses on the intersection of art, race and culture across multiple disciplines.
Lisa Anderson
Lisa Anderson is an independent arts and culture consultant, curator, and writer, championing artists, galleries, and cultural organisations.
