In this Left of Centre Conversation, we sit down with freelance film programmer and curator Sarah-Tai Black explores working in the arts as a Black queer woman, the politics and impact of tokenism, privilege, and proximity, and the importance of following what makes your soul feel good. ABOUT SARAH-TAI BLACK Sarah-Tai Black is a film programmer, arts curator, writer, and speaker living in Toronto. She is one of the Directors at The Royal Cinema where she programs a monthly series called Black Gold. Her writing has been published by numerous outlets, including The Globe and Mail, Cinema Scope, MUBI Notebook, CBC Arts, TIFF's The Review, and cléo journal, and alongside several artist projects. In collaboration with institutions such as Museum of Contemporary Art and A Space Gallery, she has curated performance pieces by artists Lido Pimienta and Aisha Sasha John, a solo show by multidisciplinary artist Timothy Yanick Hunter, and has spoken about arts culture, film, and moving image arts in their many forms as a guest of the National Gallery of Canada and The Walrus, as well as with platforms such as Canadian Art, Screen International, and Huffington Post. Sarah-Tai has previously held the role of Programmer at Images Festival, worked as a part of TIFF’s festival programming team and as a guest Ringleader at True/False Film Festival, served as a juror and panelist on behalf of several festivals such as Sarajevo Film Festival, Indie Memphis Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, BlackStar Film Festival, as well as partnered with several local arts organizations and initiatives including TIFF Cinematheque, Inside Out, and Regent Park Film Festival. She is committed to intersectional feminist practices within the arts and her work focuses heavily on the representation and experiences of black, queer, and body diverse communities. Find Sarah-Tai Online: www.sarahtaiblack.com @blackgoldto ABOUT LEFT OF CENTRE: CONVERSATIONS Wondering what the differences between artist statements and artist bios? Interested in learning how a studio visit – in person or virtual – can help you build deeper connections with your peers, curators and buyers? Or maybe you’re looking to better understand how flash assessments can support your creative writing career. In this series of videos, we explore ways that you can better understand and articulate who you are as an artist, and how to feel empowered to take the roles, space, and energy you deserve as a creative. ABOUT NIA CENTRE FOR THE ARTS Nia Centre for the Arts is a Toronto-based charitable organization that supports, showcases and promotes an appreciation of arts from across the Afro-Diaspora. Nia Centre is committed to supporting artists working across disciplines, and ranging in experience levels. We strive to build the creative capacities and support the development of a healthy identity in Black youth. We are committed to connecting community members to artistic and cultural experiences, year-round. Find Us Online: Website: niacentre.org Instagram & Twitter: @niacentre Facebook: Nia Centre for the Arts LinkedIn: Nia Centre for the Arts
