The story of BATUKE! Festival
The Batuke! Festival started out of our passion for the music and dance of Afro - Portuguese countries. We realised that there is a special rapport and connection between all the Portuguese speaking countries, a recognition of common experiences through music and dance. In 2010, when we started there was no platform in the UK where Afro - Portuguese artists were represented, the community could experience their culture in a professional space, young and old, and share their common heritage. So, we decided to just go ahead and do it ourselves! We self produced initially through our regular events. It was very risky, but we believed in it so we made it work! The team derived from Iris De Brito social dance school at the time - Studio Afro Latino. Roles were delegated, artists contacted, plenty of volunteering support and voila! We became the go - to festival in the UK representing Afro-Portuguese culture, created a space for artistic development, cultural exchange and research. Guest artists came from the USA, France, Senegal, Angola, Cape Verde, Mozambique and the UK. We were founded by the Arts Council for 5 years and developed creative partnerships.
In 2019 we achieved a fantastic milestone with our 10th Anniversary and decided to have a break.
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We are now looking towards developing a new event, investing in organisational development and research. Make sure you continue to follow us and connect with us through Afro - Portuguese culture!
Rich Mix Cultural Foundation
35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road
London E1 6LA
BATUKE!
2019 Situational Map
Since 2016, BATUKE! Festival took residency @ Rich Mix, a centrally located cultural venue in the Shoreditch area, a few minutes walk from Liverpool Street station. Rich Mix, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary, has established itself as London's independent arts venue by excellence where all cultures meet. Once a leather factory, it has become a multi-arts venue stretching 5 floors and 5,000 square meters!
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Like BATUKE! Festival aim to bring people together around Afro-Luso culture, Rich Mix is the place were the communities of the world, who are the citizens of East London and beyond, can come together to experience and make world class art and feel that it's a place where they belong. We are looking forward to welcome you there for the second year running, and if you haven't got your pass yet?
BOOK HERE.
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For people who are not from London, or simply want to stay close to the action for the time of a week-end, we have listed a a few recommended options on our Reserve a Hotel page. BATUKE! participants get 10% when entering discount code Batuke2017 upon booking @ www.TheDictionaryHostel.com