For the 2022 edition of Deptford X, I curated a supporting programme of eight festival commissions bringing a distinct intergeneration of artists united by an exploration of diasporic culture and heritage; private and communal spaces; and therapeutic and healing practices.

These major commissions by artists Ibiye Camp, collaborative duo Assia Ghendir and Puer Deorum, Nnena Kalu, Barbara Majek, Yeu-Lai Mo and Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck included a celebratory parade with Jelili Atiku and young people from the Borough of Lewisham alongside exploring themes of ecology, migration, trade and local markets. Additionally for the first time, Deptford X Live saw a day party hosted at Busta Mantis introducing live music to the festival – think Lovers Rock, Rocksteady, Reggae, Ska, Calypso, Old School Dancehall, Dub, Mento, or Jamaican Soul. Deptford X Live featured Shakedown (Gin, Black Obsidian Sound System and Ash Walker) and Nzinga Soundz, Brazilian DJ Aisha and hosted by MC Mad X.

Nnena Kalu, Infinite Drawing Installation. Image (c) Corey Bartle-Sanderson.