Black History Month: What to see
We've selected some of the best exhibitions to see with a National Art Pass during Black History Month.
October is Black History Month, a nationwide celebration of Black culture, arts and history, held annually in recognition of the significant achievements and contributions of Black people to British society.
This year's theme is 'Reclaiming Narratives', highlighting the importance of Black storytelling, history and heritage to ensure that the community's full breadth and depth of experiences is captured and preserved.
To help you plan what to see during Black History Month, we've rounded up some incredible exhibitions exploring history, culture and identity by some of the most exciting artists working today.
From a celebration of contemporary Black women and non-binary artists to a deep-dive into a fashion icon, scroll down for our 10 picks – and remember to explore our full exhibition and events listings for more.
Whether you have a National Art Pass or a Teacher Art Pass, don't forget to pack yours to get great benefits at lots of these venues.
Discover some of the best exhibitions to visit with an Art Pass this Black History Month
Barbara Walker: Being Here
Explore Barbara Walker's works from the 1990s to today in the first major exhibition dedicated to the British artist. Her paintings and drawings, including the Turner Prize nominated series Burden of Proof, create space for Black presence, power and belonging.
NAOMI: In Fashion
One of the original supermodels and the first Black woman to appear on the cover of French Vogue at the tender age of 18, who doesn't know Naomi Campbell? Through her enviable wardrobe and legendary looks from over the years, this exhibition tells the story of her life and successful career, which saw her turn into a global superstar and fashion icon.
Donald Rodney: Visceral Canker
Discover late British artist Donald Rodney's wide-ranging practice, which explores themes of racial identity, chronic illness, Black masculinity and Britain's colonial past. Rodney's work spans painting, drawing, installation, sculpture and more, and this exhibition highlights his significance in recent British art history.
Lela Harris: Facing the Past
See portraits of six individuals who lived in Lancaster during the 18th century in this thought-provoking exhibition by Lela Harris, who discovered their stories in church records, adverts for runaways escaping slavery, and family stories. Their portraits, based on Harris's historical research, are hung alongside paintings of individuals who benefitted from slavery, by significant artists of the time including George Romney and Joseph Wright of Derby.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.