Black History 365 (BH365)
Each year, the Royal Borough of Greenwich recognises the exceptional achievements and crucial contributions of people from the African and Caribbean diaspora through the BH365 Grants programme.
Together, we’ll continue supporting arts and community groups to produce and showcase exciting cultural activities and events throughout the year. This reflects and connects our diverse communities and celebrates our Black residents’ heritage and culture.
Aims of the grant programme
The aims of the BH365 grant programme are to:
- support groups and organisations to create a range of engaging performances, activities and events that showcase the culture and heritage of our Black diaspora communities
- strengthen and deepen our understanding of Black history and the role of the African and Caribbean communities who shape the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the UK
BH365 grant programme 2024/2025
This year’s theme for activities in Royal Greenwich is Reclaiming narratives, shining a light on untold stories and correcting historical inaccuracies that undermine the achievements of African-Caribbean communities in contemporary Britain. This aligns with the national programme, which you can find out more about on the Black History Month UK Website.
Following a successful pilot in 2023, this year’s programme of activities is co-commissioned by a community advisory panel made up of people who live, work and study in the borough.
Funding
We have a total of £73,000 available to invest in the programme between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025.
Applicants can bid for up to £5,000 to support their proposals.
Before you apply
Before starting a grant application, make sure you read the Guidance and criteria for BH365 funding 2024-2025.
Application timetable
| Applications open | Tuesday 2 July 2024 |
| Applicant online workshops |
Thursday 11 July 2024 - 5pm to 6pm |
| Application deadline | Wednesday 31 July 2024 at 5pm |
| Decision-making process: 1. Assessment of applications. 2. Panel recommendations to the Cabinet Member. 3. Formal decision by Cabinet Member. |
August to September 2024 |
| Successful applicants notified | August to September 2024 |
| Formal decisions published | August to September 2024 |
| Delivery of funded activities | October 2024 to September 2025 |
Applicant workshops
We're holding two online workshops for applicants to ask questions before applying. They’re optional, but applicants need to register with us if they want to attend.
You can register for the workshops online using the Eventbrite links below:
You can also email us at artsgreenwich@royalgreenwich.gov.uk stating which session you'd like to attend.
Apply for a grant
Apply between Tuesday 2 July and Wednesday 31 July 2024 at 5pm.
Projects funded last year
In the 2023 to 2024 funding programme, we funded the following organisations and projects.
ARC and You - Strife, Success and Solidarity: Exploring the Roots and Potentials between the British and Nigerian Cultures
A series of 6 events examining the complex historical relationship between Great Britain and Nigerian cultures (Yoruba, Benin, Ijaws, Hausa's, Fulanis and the Efik).
Art Hub Studios - Studio Award Exhibition
Exhibition over 2 weekends to showcase the artwork of 6 Black artists from Greenwich who have been part of a year-long studio award, jointly curated by The Collective Makers and Art Hub Studio at SET Woolwich.
BME Volunteers CIC - Black History Abolitionists and Allies Project
A series of 12 monthly historical and factual events and workshops with panel discussions on topics that included the abolitionists, understanding contemporary history and concepts, the history of Black disabled people and cultural sensitivity and intersectionality.
Creative Pulse - Marching on to Freedom Land, Spirits of the Black Meridian
12 workshops for children and young people to play musical instruments inspired by the spiritual freedom song 'Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me round'. Participants created a backing track and a short film inspired by ‘Marching on to Freedom Land’, culminating with a final showcase and live performance.
Cultural Co-operation (trading as Culture&) - Spirits of the Black Meridian
2 full days of open workshops for up to 80 residents on movement, music, photography, film and archival footage, to present the Black voices of Greenwich and their connection to the historical maritime heritage of the borough.
Fresh Chances Ltd. - Totally Black, Tangled Roots: Celebrating Our Hair
A series of 10 events and workshops to explore all things related to African hair, history and associated folklore. Activities included craft workshops consisting of hairband making, talks and presentations on how to work with hair.
Global Fusion Music & Arts - GFMA Black History 365
A series of children’s participatory workshops - covering film screenings, music, dance, theatre and spoken word. Delivered across October 2023, International Women's Day in March and Windrush day in June 2024.
Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency - Africa Fashion
A series of 17 talks and participatory arts and craft workshops on African and Caribbean textiles, fashion and its history; including 2 finale and showcasing celebratory events.
Our Heritage UK - Ise se lagba Heritage
A series of workshops and events to honour and respect the richness of Black cultural history, bridging cultural divides and uplifting communities. Activities included African fashion shows, film screenings and Yoruba and Benin language training.
Parent Power – InspireArt
9 creative participatory workshops to empower Black and minority children and their families in the visual arts. Activities included mask-decorating, hand and fingerprint painting, tapestry and fabric painting, and mosaics.
Power Mobile Gym – Let’s Celebrate it the right way
3 days of participatory workshop events for children and young people aged 11 to 25, to learn about Black heroes from history.
TARU Arts - The Spirit of Carnival
A series of 6 monthly presentations, with masterclass workshops from leading carnival professionals. Included drumming, dance and puppetry and culminating in a performance at Woolwich Carnival.
TCF, CLF and Angelbooks – All Around the World
A 6-day programme of events and creative workshops for children and young people aged 4 to 11 and their families in Thamesmead and Abbey wood during October 2023. Activities included music, dance, craft, textiles and storytelling sessions that sought to teach, showcase and broaden understanding of the role of African and Caribbean communities, and how they have shaped the borough.