Features / Collective
A creative community for queer people of colour
The founder of a collective says the group was born to remedy Bristol’s inclusivity problem within its creative scene and make space for underrepresented communities.
Created by Lisa Inneh, Dirt Collective focuses on promoting LGBTQ+ creatives, especially people of colour.
These groups are often overlooked and don’t get equal opportunities to network, Inneh told Bristol24/7.
is needed now More than ever
Dirt Collective runs events featuring live music, art, photography, poetry, Q&A panels with local creatives and networking opportunities.
Its name came from a conversation Lisa had with a friend and is inspired by nature, growing seeds and nurturing.
Dirty Collective’s social events are creating a “vital” networking space – photo: Lisa Inneh
The creative scene’s lack of inclusivity
“I’ve found creative spaces aren’t necessarily inclusive and creative groups can be very secular,” said Inneh. “They’ve worked together before or are an established friendship group.”
She moved to Bristol from London at 18 and had negative experiences on her quest to find safety and inclusivity in the creative scene.
Inneh explained: “For queer people of colour in Bristol, it’s difficult because, when you’re a creative, you put yourself and your identity into your art but you can’t always see yourself in the groups you’re surrounded by.
“And they can’t always understand the person or the part of yourself you’re trying to portray. This can make your work redundant, because no one understands it.”
Lisa Inneh, creator of Dirt Collective, is shown here speaking into the mic – photo: @soundofyiran
Creating a collaborative community
The aim of Dirt Collective is to create a welcoming, collaborative creative community where there are no expectations or criteria to attend the events, with members often coming alone and making new friends.
Inneh said: “When you come to a Dirt Collective event, it feels like a close friend’s event. There’s no pressure, as there’s no criteria for being creative.”
She went on: “I’ve made myself a friendly face. I try to talk to everyone who comes and get to know them. It is a community-based space, so everyone who goes is open and happy to chat.
“It’s a really great way to meet people who are looking to collaborate.”
Inneh praised the venues in Bristol that offer low to no-cost fees, but said there is “a real need” for spaces like her collective as many similar groups have fizzled out due to Covid or rising costs.
Speaking about setting up the collective, she said she was pleased to be helped by the community in the city.
Dirt Collective’s recent event featured painting and networking opportunities – photo: Lisa Inneh
Looking to the future, Inneh said: “I’d love to do a showcase to bring together queer people of colour creators’ artwork. This could be films, plays, live music performances, anything creative.
“This would look like monthly events and a yearly showcase. That’s what I want: a hub of creativity for Bristol’s queer people of colour.”
Dirt Collective’s next event is on July 13. ‘Pride House Party’ will take place after Bristol Pride parade at Cloak on Cheltenham Road. Tickets and more information can be found here
Main photo: Lisa Inneh
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