Making a rukus! Black Queer Histories through Love and Resistance

An exhibition exploring the joy, friendship, resistance and art of Black LGBTQIA+ people in Britain.

The brand-new exhibition, curated by artist, filmmaker and co-founder of rukus! federation, Topher Campbell, explores Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans creativity, activism, community and pride through archive materials, contemporary artworks and brand-new commissions, celebrating the work of Black LGBTQ+ pioneers and artists since the 1970s. The exhibition demonstrates that the rukus! archive, which takes its inspiration from causing a ruckus, or making a noise, is not a work of static historical documentation, but an ongoing and vital series of political and artistic interventions that bears witness to the joy, friendship, resistance, and creative endeavours of Black LGBTQ+ people in Britain.

Artist, performer and former Somerset House Studios associate artist Evan Ifekoya has been commissioned to present a restaging of a body of work – A Score, A Groove, A Phantom, A rukus! – an interactive installation to create an immersive club-like space for visitors to explore.

The exhibition is accompanied by a public programme of talks, tours, and events, alongside a brand-new film commission.

Throughout the run of the exhibition, Somerset House will fly a rukus! flag, designed by multidisciplinary artist Jacob V Joyce, symbolising the ongoing impact and legacy of the rukus! Federation.

— RELATED EVENTS —
Relaxed Sessions

Somerset House are hosting two Relaxed Sessions for visitors who would like to explore the exhibition in a calm and comfortable environment, including people with autism and other neurodiverse needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. These will be held on Friday 25 October from 10.00 -11.30 and on Saturday 02 November from 18.30-20.00.

Rukus! Upgrade Yourself Takeover
Thu 24 Oct, 18.00 – 22.00

Upgrade Yourself is taking over Making a rukus! for one night only. This free event supports aspiring creatives aged 18-30 to make meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and network with industry professionals.

Curator Tours

Join curator Topher Campbell for exclusive tours of the exhibition, delving into the creative process and stories behind the show.
Thu 07 Nov 2024, 19.00 – 19.30
Sat 16 Nov 2024, 17.00 – 17.30
Thu 28 Nov 2024, 19.00 – 19.30
Price: £8.00

Where: Terrace Rooms & Courtyard Rooms South Wing – Somerset House, Terrace Rooms  & Courtyard Rooms South Wing Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
When: 11 Oct 2024 – 19 Jan 2025
Nearest Tube: Temple / Covent Garden

For more information to book tickets and to plan your visit, click here