Yo CiTY Connect: Afro-Future

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER, 11AM ABBOTSFORD CONVENT (HERITAGE GARDENS) 1 ST HELIERS ST, ABBOTSFORD www.afrofuture.au | @yocityofficial

celebrating BLACK culture.

Presented by: Yo CiTY Proudly Supported by: the Yarra City Council, PBS, Abbotsford Convent MAV (Multicultural Arts Victoria), Bodriggy and OZ AFRICAN TV. A day on the grass at Abbotsford Convent’s Heritage Gardens with music, food, drinks & African diasporic literature in an all-inclusive family-friendly affair.

Yo CiTY CONNECT: AFRO FUTURE is a cultural extravaganza of the year that transcends boundaries and brings people together.

COMMUNITY & LINEN ROOMS 11AM - 4PM AFRO (LIT)ERATURE Curated by Guido Melo, AFRO (LIT)ERATURE offers an open and encouraging space for aspiring writers, people interested in African Australian and diasporic writing and other broader creatives to learn from award-winning Australian authors.

Duration: The session lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour, sharing the space with a small, vibrant group of eclectic thinking.

Suitable: 16-year-olds to mature age persons interested in writing Cost: Free as part of the Festival Ticket, however, bookings are essential The event line-up of African & and Diasporic African Australian Authors are scheduled to join us live or present face-to-face in workshops in: Registrations: are essential to ensure attendees can receive their free writing kit. To avoid disappointment, please ensure timely communication with our staff, as workshop events will book out fast.

To register for the AFRO (LIT)ERATURE, please purchase the event ticket here and follow this link to register. A confirmation will be sent before the event with instructions.

FEATURED AUTHORS Maxine Beneba Clarke & the Art of Creating Children’s Books Cath Moore on writing with and for teenagers Denise Chapman in conversation with Guido Melo Spoken word performance from the Soul with Thabani Tshuma Sisonke Msimang speaks on writing range Spoken word performance by Effie Nkrumah

ON THE GRASS 1 PM - 5PM ETHIOPIAN COFFEE CEREMONY Join Atakilty ‘Ata’ Woreita as she serves coffee. Whether you're a coffee lover or not, the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony is a great way to participate meaningfully in a cultural experience. The ceremony ultimately highlights the importance of community, hospitality, and the art of coffee brewing.

12 PM BAHAAR HENNA TATTOOING Adorn yourself with the temporary body decoration similar in appearance to a tattoo.

ON THE GRASS FAMILY & KIDS 2 PM - 5 PM FACE PAINTING BY AIRYFAIRY FACES Airyfairy Faces provides exceptional quality and vibrant face painting. They will be creating a splash of colour and magic at our celebration.

11 AM EKO MELBOURNE Working with leading practitioners from the Continent, visitors will be immersed into the thriving beauty of African design and production through high quality goods and experiences.

11 AM LAWN GAMES Suitable for kids and the young at heart, join in to play giant jenga and giant connect four.

ROTUNDA MAIN STAGE Co-Hosted by LYDIA TESEMA & NOAH DACOSTA Step into a world where beats come alive and melodies enchant your soul with electrifying performances by 7 of Melbourne’s top-tier bands including, AUSECUMA BEATS, BROTHA ASANTI & SOULECTRIC, COOL OUT SUN, JALI BUBA KUYATEH, WALA IS LIFE, ALARIIYA and LE SOUL BAND.

ROSE GARDEN DJ BOOTH Feel the pulse of Africa's beats as our sensational 4 DJs; KGOMOTSO, MOTHAFUNK, PK & CHRIS NG spin a mesmerising blend of sounds from the motherland.

FOOD & DRINKS Tastes Of Senegal Amas Delights Zangers Bangers Bar (Beer by Bodriggy Brewing)

Yo CiTY CONNECT - AFRO FUTURE would like to respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to elders both past and present.

SATURDAY 9 DECEMBER, 11AM ABBOTSFORD CONVENT (HERITAGE GARDENS) 1 ST HELIERS ST, ABBOTSFORD