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
Zanele Muholi
Discover a trailblazing photographer and visual activist in this major exhibition dedicated to Zanele Muholi, who documents the lives of people historically ignored by those in power by creating celebratory images of LGBTQIA+ communities in South Africa.
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.
Sonia Boyce: An Awkward Relation
Witness Sonia Boyce's fascination with Brazilian artist Lygia Clark's radical practice, which similarly investigates themes of participation, interaction and improvisation. In the works on display, Boyce explores hair as a material and cultural signifier, inviting viewers to touch works and challenge their experience in the gallery space.
Hew Locke: What have we here?
Uncover histories of British imperial power and how museums are implicated in these through the personal reframing of collection items by Hew Locke, alongside newly commissioned sculptural works.
Conversations
Celebrate almost 50 Black women and non-binary artists in this major exhibition that aims to foster dialogue and joy. Spanning painting, sculpture and video works from the past decade, it shines a spotlight on these artists' significant contributions to British art.
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.
Alvaro Barrington: GRACE
From his grandmother's Caribbean home to Notting Hill Carnival, journey across the world in Alvaro Barrington's vibrant installation that combines sound, painting and sculpture, celebrating the women and places that have shaped his artistic practice.
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.