PRESENTS
0%
London, UK
30-31 August 25'
London, UK
30-31 August 25'
London, UK

1

Venue

100

DAYS BETWEEN

12+

programs

30-31 August 25'

1

Venue

100

DAYS BETWEEN

12+

programs


We as a people, have always existed in the spaces between   cultures, histories & creative disciplines. We occupy & shape these spaces, ensuring they remain vibrant & alive.

we as a people, have always existed in the spaces between between cultures,histories & creative  disciplines. We occupy & shape these spaces, Ensuring they remain vibranT &    alive

the spaces between is a two-day creative festival in London, curated by Where are the Black Designers? It's both a celebration of Black creativity and a grassroots movement to create lasting change in the creative industries. Taking place in East London, one of the UK's major hubs of Black creativity, we're bringing together diverse voices from the city’s energetic neighborhoods and beyond. We're connecting across different geographies, cultural backgrounds, and creative disciplines while engaging local businesses and schools

We chose EartH as the home for our festival because it sits at the heart of Dalston a neighbourhood known for its intersectional culture, where community & creativity thrive side by side.
COP TIX
Listen to insightful discussions on collective thought and creativity on the main stage across both days.
Meet your next colleague, collaborator or BFF and connect with industry in our networking area all weekend in the lower kitchen and bar
Decompress on the terrace as our designated quiet space alongside a library, for time to relax and recharge.
In the upper kitchen and bar area, check out our Makers Market on the Saturday and join a creative workshop on Sunday.
Listen to inspirational presentations from Black creatives; celebrate at a Club Night on Saturday and a Jazz Night on Sunday to keep the energy flowing in the basement.
Dalston, London (August 2023).
This spot feels like stumbling into a secret festival hideaway—mismatched chairs, a battered door propped open, and the lingering aroma of coffee or craft beer in the air. It’s the kind of place where a quick stop can turn into a late-night story.
Dalston, London (August 2023).
This spot feels like stumbling into a secret festival hideaway—mismatched chairs, a battered door propped
holding
space
making
space
honoring
the
space
we
have
always
occupied

holding spacE making  space  &
honoring the spaces          we
have always            occupied

holDING  spacE
making  space  &
honoring the spaces          we
have always            occupied

Dalston has always embodied a unique intersection of tastes - music, food, fashion, and art -  making it a cultural epicentre and the perfect spot to bring people together and spark new connections. It is packed with life and stories that need to be told. It’s the heart of East London, and we’re here to amplify that energy. From Ridley Road Market to Gillett Square, Dalston’s roots run deep in cultural significance. We’re here to celebrate and honour that legacy.

FAQ's

  • Who are Where Are The Black Designers?

    Where are the Black Designers? is a global non profit organisation and community that uplifts Black creatives in design by creating space for dialogue, visibility, and opportunity. Through events, conversations, and collaborations, they connect Black designers with each other and with the wider industry, challenging the status quo and pushing for real, lasting change in the creative world.
    Learn more here.

  • I’m a Black creative but not in the UK – can I join the community?

    Yes! The community is global and open to Black creatives everywhere. Go to www.watbd.org/join-our-community to find out more.

  • Who can attend The spaces between?

    Everyone is welcome to attend. We welcome Black creatives, allies from all backgrounds, and youth from 14 years old.

  • What can I expect/what’s happening at the festival?

    We’re hosting panel discussions and presentations across both days that showcase Black creativity and community. We’ll also be hosting a Makers Market and Club Night on Saturday, and on Sunday we’ll be hosting creative workshops and a Jazz Night.

  • I’d like to attend the festival but don’t live in London. Can I get involved from afar?

    We’ll be recording all talks from the weekend. We’ll announce more details in the coming months on how you can watch from wherever you are.

  • When is the festival happening?

    The spaces between is taking place on Saturday 30th August and Sunday 31st August 2025.

  • Where is Dalston?

    Dalston is in Hackney, East London.

  • I’m under 18, can I attend the festival?

    We’re excited to welcome Youth from 14 years old to The spaces between. You’ll soon be able to purchase a full weekend pass or daily ticket at reduced costs. Please note, that you can participate in all activity, but not the Club Night. This is for adults at 18+ only.

  • Is the festival accessible?

    We will have BSL interpreters in our Main Stage (Third Floor), and Basement (Ground Floor) spaces to ensure presentations and panel discussions are accessible to the deaf community. We will also have dedicated wheelchair spaces for users to attend in both areas. On the terrace (Rooftop), we will have a quiet space for those who are sensory-sensitive or need time away from the noise. This will be a space for rest and decompression. If you are interested in attending and have accessibility needs, please email hello@watbd.org to discuss beforehand.

  • How much do tickets cost?

    Currently our early bird tickets are available for adults at £113.72, and daily tickets at £71.80.

    Prices will change with a General Ticket increase soon, and we’ll also introduce reduced tickets for Youth who are aged 14-17 years old.

  • Are you still looking for sponsors?

    If you’d like to speak to us about sponsoring or supporting the festival, please email hello@watbd.org.

  • I’d like to work at the festival, will you be looking for volunteers?

    If you’d like to volunteer your time across the weekend, please email hello@watbd.org.

  • I’d like to speak at the festival, are you taking submissions of interest?

    Curation for the festival is closed, but we’re always open to reviewing submissions for future events.
    If you’d like to share your work with us, please send information to hello@watbd.org.