NEXT MONTH Voices that Shake! will launch a trilogy of youth-led publications: an Anthology, a Research Report, and a Guidebook.
Each is a unique and thought-provoking compilation of Shake! young people’s creative writing, original artwork, photographs, political analysis and essays; also pieces by artists, facilitators and elders involved in Shake!
The trilogy of publications include: ‘Voices that Shake! An Anthology of Creative Movements’, ‘Shake! the System Research Report: A Decade of Shaping Change 2010-2020’, ‘Shake! the System Guidebook: Rituals, Tools & Practices’. The publications are due to go live on December 2.
To mark ten years of acclaimed work and Shake!’s history of sell-out showcases, the trilogy will be unveiled and will serve as a tool to honour Shake!rs, nourish movement-building and equip the revolution. It celebrates youth creativity, resilience and genius in a time of unprecedented pressure on young people of colour.
The majority of the content for the Anthology is made up of the transformative artwork and creative writing produced through the free intensive courses, events, and other Shake!-related activities. The Research Report is drawn from in-depth interviews with young people on the impact of Shake! on their lives and futures.
The Guidebook shares tools and practices that young people tell us are central to the transformative power of Shake!.
Commenting on the Shake! Anthology Benjamin Zephaniah, Poet, Playwright and Author said: “These pages are full of ideas from free thinkers, rebels, dissidents, and creative non-conformists. They have come to shake up a sleepy world, and make real new possibilities. They are here to remind us that there are alternatives, and we should not fear the future, if we take part in it.”
Commenting on the project Tiff Webster, Shake!’s Art Director & Editor said: “This project has been more than a body of work to be held in our hands and/or accessed online. It’s an embodiment of transformative justice, systemic change and community accountability. I trust that these publications serve as a tool and the blueprint towards liberatory and healing practices.
“I also hope they are received as more than just an archive of such legacy, or a showcase, or a collection. . . but to be received as a gift. A gift to Shakers! and to ourselves, to each other and to all of those who have contributed and formed part of Shake.”
Commenting on the project Annick Météfia, Shake! Researcher said: “These publications show how youth work is truly political. Our practice of youth work at Shake! is an act of resistance against a British Hostile Environment for young people of the global majority.
“A space where Black and brown young people can finally work on their personal and collective healing from a position of power, challenging the limited and historically problematic practices of a whole sector.’
Commenting on the project collaborator and The Founder of The Literary Shed Aruna Vasudevan: What [Shake! have] achieved would be phenomenal, under normal circumstances, let alone during a pandemic! It’s extraordinary.
“[Shake!] also put three publications, totally different in scope and audience, one very large, together at the same time and also, certainly from my perspective, have done it with grace, humour and kindness, not to mention joy and generosity.”
The celebration of the trilogy and the collective work of Shake! will take place on December 2nd from 7pm at Toynbee Hall. You can find out more about the event – Shake! the System, Chapter 1 – The Cry An evening celebrating a decade of creative movements via this link.
Comments Form