Words of Colour
The Immersive Change Agency
Words of Colour is an immersive change agency, guided by disruption, transformation, inclusion and anti-racism.
As strategic problem-solvers, our goal is to create alternative pathways and sustainable opportunities for writers, creatives, entrepreneurs and communities of colour to thrive.
We curate, produce, collaborate and take commissions that straddle literature, creative industries, academia and health to generate meaningful change.
Part of this work is guided by our models of creative entrepreneurship and creative wellbeing to allow unheard stories to be told and under-represented talent to shine.
We know this work cannot be done in silos, so we are open to hearing from organisations and institutions ready to invest in changing the narrative and being part of the solution.
To find out more, visit our Chronology page and get in touch.
Our Purpose
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To challenge, co-curate and co-create for authentic inclusion to take root.
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To foster narratives, opportunities and holistic spaces for people of colour to be their authentic selves, realise their potential and own their creativity.
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To ensure that the intersectional reality of our lives is mirrored on TV, stage, in books, research and policy.
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To leave a positive legacy for the next generation of creatives, artists, entrepreneurs and disruptors of colour to build upon and/or transform.
Testimonials
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The Covid Race and Ethnic Inequalities Research Programme
Having people who understood race in the UK was critical to our work. Words of Colour worked closely and collaboratively with us on a tight schedule with a very involved piece of work, producing nine short films, branding, tailored consultancy, social media management, high impact virtual events, wide media coverage and an overall strategy for strategic and digital communications for a project with 10 university partners and 36 researchers.
They were always a pleasure to work with – challenging us and rising to the challenge. They were flexible and resourceful in responding to the urgency of the work and the new conditions required by the pandemic.
Professor Bridget ByrneDirector | Centre on the Dynamics of Ethnicity (CoDE) -
Synergi Collaborative Centre | Creative Spaces
Some of our co-curated Creative Spaces events during the pandemic have included working with people with lived experience or community representatives, alongside system leaders. Joy Francis has ensured that there is an equal power dynamic within the planning team, which has made our contributors feel respected, valued and equally included in the facilitation of the well-attended virtual events.
I also had the pleasure of working with both Joy and Adrianne McKenzie on the Synergi-Leeds documentary in 2021-2022. I found Adrianne had the right note of professionalism and personability, making the interviews and photoshoots seamless, timely and very easy. You know you have the right dynamic of people around when you feel comfortable and challenged at the same time. I can honestly say that working with both Joy and Adrianne over the past year has been a rewarding experience.
Delvina SaundersMental Health Ethnic Inequalities Lead (Adults) Leeds City Council | Public Health -
Literature and theatre collaboration
Theatre Peckham and Words of Colour found each other through the close alignment of our values and mission. Both organisations believe in the beauty of collaboration and a commitment to inclusive practice. We joined forces to bring the literary world and theatreland together, linking black writers with black creatives to platform an authentic voice. Our journey continues as we move between paper, theatre and film to find the hidden real life stories that can enrich all our lives.
Suzann McLeanCEO/Artistic Director, Theatre Peckham