ROCK AGAINST RACISM : MILITANT ENTERTAINMENT 1976-82

12 Dec 2020-9 May 2021

Overview

A major new exhibition to celebrate Rock Against Racism (RAR), featuring a new commission by artist Larry Achiampong created in response to the sounds, visuals and ethos of RAR and contributions from Bass Culture. The exhibition will showcase the punky RAR aesthetic through posters, photography, badges, stickers, leaflets, letters from young fans across the world, as well as striking graphics from the legendary RAR fanzine, Temporary Hoarding. Temporary Hoarding’s articles and interviews range from abortion rights to anti-colonial struggle in Zimbabwe: a platform for discussing multiple forms of oppression. Rock Against Racism harnessed the power of the imagination – thrilling music, vibrant design and witty, subversive polemic – along with a DIY ethos which expected everyone to do their own thing as well as being part of a huge collective effort. Hundreds of small local bands played RAR clubs and gigs, as well as big names like Aswad, the Au Pairs, Buzzcocks, The Clash, Misty in Roots, The Specials, Gang of Four, Steel Pulse, Tom Robinson Band and X-Ray Spex. The result was a movement which raised the consciousness of a generation.