In this episode of Kiss My Black Side, host Brenda Emmanus OBE talks to two established black voices in the arts achieving success in their unique ways.

Former teacher Curtis Holder gave up the profession to peruse his passion for drawing – a career transformation that has rewarded him kindly. In 2020 he won the Sky Portrait Artist of the Year competition and now finds himself in a newly created role as Artist in Residence at the National Theatre.

As someone who shares our hosts’ ambition to be a champion of the arts, Bolanle Tajudeen has proved a force for change. From calling out the lack of diversity at her University she has gone on the challenge art establishments for the lack of visibility and support of black artists.

With humour and honesty, conversations float from succeeding despite disabilities , finding professional space without traditional experience, the power of education, and of course, an undeniable passion for the arts.

Host: Brenda Emmanus OBE:

Brenda Emmanus OBE is a television presenter and journalist working across print, radio and television. She has established her career across a range of genres - news and current affairs, popular factual, travel, fashion and the arts. Brenda has presented features and documentaries on a broad range of subjects from Princess Diana to African Fashion. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment - from Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, to Sir Elton John and Tom Cruise. Brenda was awarded an OBE in 2019 for services to Broadcasting and Diversity.

Guests:

Curtis Holder - Artist

Former primary school teacher turned professional artist, Curtis has established himself as a creator whose tools, often graphite and coloured pencils, have afforded him an instinctive form of expression.

In 2020 his profile increased when he won The Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Yaar. His winning commission – a portrait of the world renowned ballet dancer, Carlos Acosta is now in the permanent collection of the Birmingham Museum and Gallery. Curtis has recently acquired the newly established role of Artist in Residence at the National Theatre

Bolanle Tajudeen – Curator, Writer, Founder - ‘Black Blossoms’

Bee Tajudeen is a Curator and Founder of ‘Black Blossoms’ - an expanded curatorial platform promoting Black women, non-binary artists and creatives since 2015. In 2017 she co-curated and organised a touring exhibition of 21 black women and non-binary artists, which was listed as a ‘must-see' exhibition by A-n News.

In 2020 Bolanle launched the Black Blossoms School of Art and Culture, an online learning platform decolonizing art education. Her short course entitled, Art in the Age of Black Girl Magic’ - has proved popular and has been taught at the Tate twice.

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