Episode 1 16 August 2020 BCA launches it's very first Black Out Series interview with Alvie McKree Elle Vie hosted by Diane Diane Wesh Poata Alvie McKree is an interdisciplinary artist, arts therapist and Qoya teacher. Her work is driven by a desire to foster connection to the earth, to people, to the ancestors, and to the divine. This manifests variously through facilitating therapeutic art workshops, offering Qoya, ritual, and ceremonial gatherings for women, and using performance and textile-based installations to reimagine the lived experiences of her ancestors as a means of healing the rifts in cultural identity caused by colonisation, migration, and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Alvie is currently teaching part-time at Elam School of Fine Arts in Tāmaki Makaurau, facilitating therapeutic art and movement workshops, and developing her first play Black Māori Girl with support from BCA.

Episode 2 23 August 2020 BCA continues the Black Out Series interview with Mez Tekeste aka Mez Swami interviewed by Diane Wesh Meet Pharaoh Swami also known as Mez Tekeste. When comments were made that the BLM protest on 1 June 2020 was one of the most well organised marches, he had this to say, “God has been at the centre of this, for me. Call it God, call it love, call it Allah. Whatever you believe. Love and compassion has been at the centre of all of our messaging. We didn’t want to cause any drama. All we wanted was people to come together and show our African communities that they give a damn. When people said, ‘this is an American problem’, I didn’t realise we were that unseen. I didn’t realise people don’t know that there’s a massive African community.” A dynamic performer, lyricist and activist, Mez is captivating and will definitely leave you with a lot of food for thought!

Episode 3 30 August 2020 BCA continues the Black Out Series interview with @Janina Asiedu aka Janina Nana Yaa interviewed by Diane Wesh MeetJanina Asiedu also known as Janina Nana Yaa. What would you say when asked, "What makes New Zealand beautiful?" "Truthfully I think New Zealand is quite flawed and built out of a foundation of greed and corruption. A system that hasn’t and doesn’t prioritise its indigenous or Asase Yaa/Papatuanuku. Things are shifting slowly. I believe Aotearoa is so much more than beautiful. It has abundance and richness underneath a lot of the cold structures in place. I couldn't even think of the words to describe the privilege I feel to be a settler here. So many things feed its’ beauty."

Episode 4 6 September 2020 BCA continues the Black Out Series interview with Quentin DeAngelo Warren interviewed by @dDiane Wesh Hailing from the USA, Quentin relocated to New Zealand three years ago to perform in Indian Ink's 'The Murder House' and connect with artists who have an alternative world view. As an accomplished actor with a bunch of shows under his belt both in the USA and right here in NZ, Quentin reflects on the passing of Black Panther star, Chadwick Boseman, saying: “Chadwick and I share an Alma Mater. Howard University. We were bred at the same training grounds. He feels like family. The entire Fine Arts family at Howard is feeling a huge loss. He made a huge impact on the world and the industry. He showed the world that a dark skinned black man can lead a tent pole super hero action film. And all while being incredible ill. His dedication and departure is definitely a call to action for actors like myself. We have to pick up where he has left off. We have to continue his legacy. H-U! YOU KNOW!”

Episode 5 13th September 2020 BCA continues the Black Out Series interview with Sahara Magura, The Afro Islander, interviewed by Diane Wesh She has a page called The Afro Islander which is managed by her mum, Atalasa Salesa. This page was created to document Sahara's journey but also place a spotlight on the racism and bullying she experiences both at school and outside of it. Earlier this year, her mum posted this: "It’s so heartbreaking to see my beautiful girl cry about hating her african heritage and hating her hair. She is such a heartwarming beautiful child! Her old teacher rung her today to remind her she is special and has such a beautiful heart and to never let anyone make her feel like she is less then others. Absolutely put her on cloud nine!! Parents and schools, I implore you to speak with your children. Teach them about diversity and respect. Talk with them, so they understand words hurt, actions hurt! There are far too many child suicides and it’s about time we all take part in the solution! Make it a conversation! I see a lot of posts of videos of children going viral and people having their say, but what are you really doing to help the situation?" We hope you're looking forward to hearing from the beautiful young creative and will create a space for her that's filled with love and kindness!

Episode 6 20th September 2020 BCA continues the Black Out Series interview with Domingo Candelario, interviewed by Diane Wesh Singer/song writer Domingo Candelario was born in the heart of La Havana, Cuba. As a child he was greatly influenced and inspired by the Brazilian music that his parents listened to. He went on to develop his own unique style within the "Nueva Trova" movement which began in the late '60s and has its roots in traditional Cuban folk music, incorporating progressive and often politicized lyrics. This is sure to be a fascinating conversation & we're excited for you to get to meet him!

Epsiode 7 27th Septmeber 2020 BCA is proud to present the next episode of #BlackOutSeriesNZ featuring Jax Hamilton Cooks interviewed by Diane Wesh! From solo Mum to representing Progressive Enterprises Ltd and Countdown Supermarkets, Jax Hamilton is known to many as a contestant in *MasterChef NZ. By the time she stood in the gripping final, she was already a loved and trusted foodie figure in New Zealand homes. Since then she has continued to develop her TV presence, written two best-selling cookbooks, contributes regularly to iconic food and wine magazine, Cuisine, and recently, released her highly successful online, web series, Jax Food Hax. With a British (cockney), Jamaican heritage, ’Jax’ is simply a recipe of ingredients, people, charity, humour, inspiration and adventure. Every dish, mixed together with a combination of personality and love.