Poly Styrene: Punk (diy) and Somali Identity

Name: Poly Styrene: Punk (diy) and Somali Identity
Start: 2026-09-12T11:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-09-12T17:00:00.000Z
Location: V&A South Kensington

V&A South Kensington

Cromwell Road

Sat 12 Sept · 12:00 · £20

London

Get tickets · £20

360m · Talk

About this event

POLY STYRENE: PUNK (DIY) AND SOMALI IDENTITY WILL NOW TAKE PLACE AT V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON, CROMWELL ROAD, LONDON, INSTEAD OF THE PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED VENUE. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE AND LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU THERE. Led by Marian's daughter, Celeste Bell, the programme brings together film, poetry, performance, literature, and discussion to explore the continuing resonance of Poly Styrene's legacy. The day includes a screening of the award-winning documentary Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché, followed by poetry and a panel exploring identity, music, activism and cultural preservation through the lens of Poly Styrene's work, and contemporary Black British alternative movements. Discussions will examine themes of dual heritage, self-determination, countercultural production and the role of archives in preserving marginalised histories, and the collaboration with the Somali Museum, offering insight into Marian's Somali and British heritage and the social and political concerns that informed her creative practice. Celeste Bell will be joined by Stephanie Phillips (Big Joanie), acclaimed musician, author and journalist; Kinsi Abdulleh, interdisciplinary artist, curator, educator, Co-Director of Numbi Arts and Founder of the Somali Museum; and Hodan Yusuf, poet, writer and actor. Together, they will reflect on Poly Styrene's pioneering legacy and its connections to contemporary movements in music, culture and community organising. In collaboration with the Poly Styrene Archive Estate of Marian Elliott-Said, Celeste Bell, and the Somali Museum. This event is part of the wider celebration of The Music Is Black: A British Story Exhibition. POLY STYRENE: PUNK (DIY) AND SOMALI IDENTITY WILL NOW TAKE PLACE AT V&A SOUTH KENSINGTON, CROMWELL ROAD, LONDON, INSTEAD OF THE PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED VENUE. WE APOLOGISE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE AND LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU THERE.

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