Why we started Black Creative Trailblazers.

Black Creative Trailblazers Showcase 2025 - Photo Credit: Sampy T

We were exhausted.

Four years into building our fashion brand, Cultureville, we found ourselves asking a familiar question: how do we actually make a living from our creativity? Around us was a vibrant network of Black creatives - musicians, poets, fashion designers, photographers - were all trying to figure out the same thing. We’d all built something beautiful, but few of us were thriving. The talent was there. The opportunities? Not so much.

Then came the Black History Month that changed everything.

Producers of the 2022 Black Creative Soirée - Cultureville & BOB Expo

It was autumn 2022. Adeola was searching for events we could take part in, something joyful, meaningful, and creative. But every opportunity we found was either prohibitively expensive or focused on Black trauma. What we wanted was a celebration of Black creativity, culture, and community. A space where artists, poets, designers, musicians, comedians, and writers could perform, connect, and collaborate. But it didn’t exist.

So, we created it.

Singer Miah Jackson performing at the 2022 Black Creative Soirée

The First Black Creative Soirée

Our idea was simple: an evening celebrating black creativity while also welcoming the Black community into iconic spaces where they may not have historically felt welcome. We would have performances from musicians and poets, breathtaking art exhibits and head-turning fashion shows, all against the fabulous backdrop of Manchester's central library. Our hope was that by platforming these creatives, leaders of creative organisations, commissioners and publications would recognise their talent, resulting in more paid opportunities and larger commissions.

We didn’t know if it would work. Would people show up? Did we have enough resources to pull it off? But when the night came, our community blew us away. In the packed-out Shakespeare Hall of Manchester's Central Library, Black joy came to life through music, poetry, art and fashion, the Black Creative Soirée sold out and showed out. The talent on display was undeniable and the impact real.

Courtney Hammond, Founder of Not Your Trend at the 2022 soirée

Since that evening:

• Griot Gabriel, one of our poets, went on to perform at Glastonbury Festival.

• Courtney Hammond, founder of Not Your Trend, showcased her collection at London Fashion Week.

• Dozens of other creatives landed commissions, collaborations, and life-changing opportunities.

We saw our idea come to life and we knew we had something special.

From Soirée to Trailblazers

Black Creative Trailblazers at Africa Day 2024, Manchester Museum

But as powerful as visibility is, we learned it wasn’t enough. Our creatives also needed access to training, networks, industry know-how and funding. The creative industry isn’t set up for us and Black creatives are often shut out.

That’s why we created Black Creative Trailblazers.

Black Creative Trailblazers exists to amplify Black creatives, break down systemic barriers, and help build sustainable creative careers. We do this through events, workshops, sharing funding opportunities and paid work opportunities - all with a deep love for our people and culture.

Black Creative Trailblazers Founders - Adeola & Ronke Jane Adelakun

Since 2022, we’ve gone from one annual soirée to multiple events each month, platforming over 150 creatives and welcoming 3,000+ attendees into arts and cultural spaces across Manchester.

And this is just the beginning.

Join the Movement

Black Creative Trailblazers at PR Workshop

Whether you're a creative looking for community, a brand wanting to collaborate, or someone who simply believes in the power of representation, there’s a place for you here.

We are Black Creative Trailblazers.

And we’re building the future, together.