La Guinéolese

La Guinéolese Cultural Exchange Salon 2026 is the inaugural edition of a new cultural forum created by La Guinéolese and taking place during Black History Month UK 2026, in collaboration with the University of East London’s Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) and Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability (RDCS).

Under the theme “Cultural Identity in a Global World: Bridging Heritage & Belonging,” the Salon explores how heritage, culture and identity evolve across borders and generations, with a particular focus on Francophone African heritage, diaspora and belonging.

The evening will bring together cultural practitioners, researchers, heritage and archival professionals, creatives, students and members of the wider community for a programme of dialogue and cultural exchange.

The programme includes an emerging research spotlight, a curated panel discussion, audience Q&A, and a cultural archive and exhibition featuring African cultural objects, literature, visual material and elements of La Guinéolese’s developing community archive. The evening will conclude with refreshments, networking and informal cultural exchange.

The panel brings together four perspectives from the creative, cultural, academic and archival sectors, with Dr Jummy Okoya, Dean of the Office for Institutional Equity at UEL, serving as moderator.

The event is free to attend, but advance registration is required. Places are limited.