I believe in the nourishing power of art & community
My work prioritises delivering high quality care and attention to creative projects that both serve and showcase various communities.
I collaborate with arts centres, social enterprises, charities, libraries and corporates. Here is a brief summary of what I offer. If you’d like to work with me, you can contact me on hello@matekiwrites.com
I curate and design programmes, events and festivals centering community, joy and inquiry. I’ve produced the Africa Writes festival at the British Library (2017 - 2021), Tottenham Literature Festival at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre (2019 - Present), Apples and Snakes’ SPINE Festival and Libraries Out Loud programme (2020 - Present), creatively produced Toni Morrison: A Celebration at WOW Festival, Southbank Centre (2020) and co-founded literary community Afrikult. (2014-2019). You can find the brochures and programmes of the events on my LinkedIn account.
Curation
I create and facilitate creative writing and wellbeing workshops. My diverse, fun and imaginative workshops are designed for participants who are children, families, young people and adults. I have a catalogue of workshops and open to commissions. My intention is for participants to leave the workshops discovering a little more of their individual and collective treasures, and hopefully feeling more creatively fuelled and inspired.
Workshops
I love to chair panel discussions and deliver talks/lectures. The majority of these events are centred on literature, holistic wellbeing, spirituality and creativity. Here are some examples on YouTube from past talks, panels and Q&A: Afrikult. - Efuru at 50, Step into My Parlour, Diversity and Inclusion panel at The Festival of Reading and Goethe Annual Lecture Q&A with Sharon Dodua Otoo
Talks & Events
I consult and share resources that support your project.Whether it’s ideation or fostering connections or marketing strategies or simply needing an effective spreadsheet, I can help actualise your vision. I consulted on WOW Festival’s Shameless! Festival for the UK and Brazil (2020), project managed Obsidian Foundation’s programme and virtual retreat (2022 - Present) and managed the Caine Prize for African Writing’s website and marketing strategy. I consult on books (fiction and nonfiction), programmes and festivals.