ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Petition demands permanent UK Black music exhibition

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-24

The Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) has started a petition to create a permanent display that celebrates the impact of African and Caribbean music on British culture and its role in education. They highlight how Black British music contributes economically, has a global influence, and can transform society. The petition references significant exhibitions such as "Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music" at the British Library in 2024, co-curated by Mykaell Ryley, "2 Tone: Lives & Legacies" at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, and "The Music Is Black: A British Story," launching at V&A East in 2025. Supporters include artists like Sonia Boyce and Jazzie B, along with Paul Gilroy, who argues that funding should come from private donors, like Richard Branson and Chris Blackwell, rather than relying solely on public money.

Key facts

  • Petition by Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) for permanent UK Black music exhibition
  • Exhibition would recognize African and Caribbean music's contribution to British culture
  • BMRU cites economic, global, and social impact of Black British music
  • Referenced exhibitions: Beyond the Bassline (British Library, 2024), 2 Tone (Herbert Art Gallery), The Music Is Black (V&A East, 2025)
  • Petition signatories include Sonia Boyce, Jazzie B, George the Poet, Paul Gilroy
  • Paul Gilroy suggests private sector funding from Richard Branson and Chris Blackwell
  • Branson co-founded Virgin Records; Blackwell co-founded Island Records
  • Both labels now part of Universal Music Group

Entities

Artists

  • Sonia Boyce
  • Jazzie B
  • George the Poet
  • Paul Gilroy
  • Mykaell Ryley
  • Richard Branson
  • Chris Blackwell
  • Bob Marley

Institutions

  • Black Music Research Unit
  • British Library
  • Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
  • V&A East
  • Virgin Records
  • Island Records
  • Universal Music Group

Locations

  • United Kingdom
  • Jamaica

Sources