We will be hosting two briefing sessions for artists interested in applying for our Common Ground commissioning opportunity to find out more.

This is the second of two briefings, taking place Tuesday 7 July at 11am with Zena Edwards.

Raised in Tottenham, North London, Zena Edwards has become known as one the most unique voices of performance poetry to come out of London. She is also known for her polemic voice, speaking on panels for climate change and creative campaigning for equality and equitable rights.

Zena has been involved in performance for 20 years – as a writer/poet performer, facilitator, creative project developer and vocalist after graduating from Middlesex University.

As a poet, Zena has travelled extensively round the UK, the US, Africa and Europe collaborating with artists such as Nigerian choreographer Qudus Onikeku and award-winning visual artists, Theaster Gates and toured supporting living legend Hugh Masekela, the Last Poets and Babaa Maal. She has shared the stage and anthologies with some of her most admired predecessors Linton Kwesi Johnson, Sonia Sanchez, Lemn Sissay, Jean Binta Breeze  and Roger McGough.

As a live performance director, Zena was the first woman director at Redbridge Arts collaborating  with rising star choreographer Botis Seva,  and devised and directed “Climate of Fear”  for award winning Manchester Contact’s Young Creatives for the Flying Solo Festival 2016.

As part of Season for Change, Zena will be working with Apples and Snakes on a new commission in 2020/21.

Who is this briefing for?

UK-based artists, makers or creators. Common Ground invites applications from artists who identify as Black, Asian and minority ethnic/POC, refugee, D/deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, working class and/or LGBTQI+.