Black History Month at Aviva Studios returns with Portrait of Black Britain, the acclaimed photographic exhibition by artist, photographer and activist Cephas Williams. Presented throughout October at Factory International’s landmark Manchester venue, the exhibition celebrates the lives, identities and achievements of Black people living across the United Kingdom through a powerful collection of contemporary portrait photography.
Originally commissioned by Factory International, Portrait of Black Britain asks a simple yet profound question: “What does it mean to be Black, living in the UK?” Through striking large-scale portraits and personal stories, Cephas Williams challenges stereotypes and celebrates the diversity, individuality and lived experiences of Black communities across Britain. Rather than focusing solely on public figures, the exhibition shines a light on people from every walk of life, creating a rich and authentic portrait of modern Black Britain.
Williams first gained international recognition through his groundbreaking 56 Black Men campaign, which challenged perceptions of Black men in Britain and sparked a national conversation about representation and identity. Portrait of Black Britain builds on that work, forming part of an ambitious long-term project to create one of the largest photographic collections celebrating Black life in contemporary Britain.
The exhibition explores themes of identity, belonging, community and representation, inviting visitors to reflect on the many ways Black people contribute to every aspect of British society. Through photography and personal storytelling, it presents a hopeful, inclusive and thought-provoking celebration of Black lives while encouraging conversations about heritage, equality and shared experiences.
Free to attend throughout Black History Month, Portrait of Black Britain offers visitors an inspiring opportunity to experience one of the UK’s most important contemporary photography exhibitions while celebrating Black creativity, culture and identity in the heart of Manchester.
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