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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author

@zitaholbourne.bsky.social
118 followers 197 following 19 posts

Multi-award winning multidisciplinary artist, equality and human rights campaigner, community activist, trade union leader.

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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
JAM RADIO NEWS @jamradiouk.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Five former staff accuse Metanoia Institute of victimisation after raising concerns about racial trauma and discriminatory practices. A 19‑day Employment Tribunal is now examining the claims, with support from PCU, BAATN and @baracuk.bsky.social. jamradio.uk/news/employm...
jamradio.uk
Employment Tribunal Begins in Legal Challenge Against Metanoia Institute
Employment Tribunal Begins in Legal Challenge Against Metanoia Institute JamRadio News Desk Dedicated to clear, reliable reporting — from national and world headlines to local...
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
GFTU Educational Trust @gftuet.org.uk · 12/02/2026
✊ Join Creative Activism: Art and Agitation. Tutor 🗣 | @zitaholbourne.bsky.social 👇 🎨 Expand your activist toolkit, explore creative expression & deepen your understanding of culture within the trade union movement - gftuet.org.uk/courses/creative-acti… #GFTUET
This image is a promotional banner for an event by GFTU Educational Trust titled "Art and Agitation," featuring speaker Zita Holbourne. It includes colorful paint and brushes as the background. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, from 12-4 PM at Marx Memorial Library & Workers' School. The text "Creative Arts & Activism" is also displayed.An informational poster titled "Meet the Tutor" features Zita Holbourne.
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
JAM RADIO NEWS @jamradiouk.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
🔴 BREAKING Black civic groups warn the Government that imposing judge‑only trials retrospectively would “pull the rug from under” defendants and victims — calling it a grave threat to fairness and trust in the justice system. #JuryDuty #MagnaCarta @baracuk.bsky.social
jamradio.uk
Black Civic Groups Warn Government Over Retrospective Judge‑Only Trials
UK’s Largest Black Civic Groups Warn of “Grave Threat” as Government Moves to Strip Jury Trials Retrospectively Euen Herbert-Small Assistant...
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants @jcwi-uk.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
We've written to the four airlines carrying out deportations under the cruel and inhumane UK-France agreement. They are: Air France, Titan Airways, AlbaStar Airlines & Corenden Airlines. We call on them to end their complicity, now. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Rights groups urge airlines to halt ‘one in, one out’ deportation flights
British and French activists write to Air France, AlbaStar, Titan and Corendon airlines over ‘shameful involvement’
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
baracuk.bsky.social @baracuk.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
End of year feature in the Morning Star written by Chair of BARAC UK @zitaholbourne.bsky.social morningstaronline.co.uk/article/belo...
morningstaronline.co.uk
Belonging, resistance and repair: confronting racism in Britain today
BRITAIN is a land made up of migrant communities who came here, contributed to society, to the economy, to popular culture, whose labour has contributed to its very survival, over centuries not just d...
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
“Black History Month is an opportunity for our arts and culture sector to honour the work that generations of Black artists and communities have done, to shine a light on struggles and victories but to also say no to racism." Scroll to read the full message from our Co-Chair, Zita Holbourne.
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Aurora Metro Books @aurorametro.bsky.social · 20/09/2025
Thanks so much for your fab introduction @jenniebatchelor.bsky.social Looking forward to our upcoming event too! Thanks also to contributors @juliamiller.bsky.social @aprildeangelis.bsky.social @zitaholbourne.bsky.social @marcellenewbold.bsky.social #janeausten #englishliterature bit.ly/42vsQyk
bit.ly
Celebrating Jane Austen: A Talk and Readings
Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen and launch of a new book
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
Last week, our members gathered for our Annual General Meeting, to propose and vote on motions to shape the next year of the union’s policies and campaigns. This year, four proposals were passed. Read them in full here: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/annual-gener... #tradeunion #solidarity
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 19/07/2025
AUE has signed a letter urging Baroness Jones, leading Minister on the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords, to take the opportunity provided by this Bill to tackle sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace directly. Read it here: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 20/07/2025
Only 36.9% of artists who responded to our 2024 membership survey work from a studio. Read about the challenges artists face when seeking a studio to rent in ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a report on artists’ lives by Industria and AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
"For our labour, skills, talent and essential contribution to all lives, we deserve the whole loaf and roses in bloom." Read ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria, commissioned and published by AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Organising as artists is essential to push back against the 'art world' and ensure fair pay, good working conditions and sustainable futures for all. Read ‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria and AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Too many employers think it’s okay to pay their freelancers after their invoice is due. Use this email template to help you get paid on time. And remember to let your employer know you’re a member of AUE. We can help you chase your payment! www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/rates-of-pay/
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Huge thanks to AUE member Sean Roy Parker for sharing this quote. Our casework, legal support, rates of pay guidelines and campaign work is making a difference to artists’ lives. The more members we unite, the more power we’ll have to fight for change. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
‘From “Hand To Mouth” to Bread and Roses’, a new report on artists’ lives by Industria, commissioned and published by Artists’ Union England. Read for free now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/from-hand-to...
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne and delegates Antonietta Torsiello and Federico Ramos spoke at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference, challenging systemic racism and campaigning against the disproportionate impacts of low pay on Black artists. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
On #WorldRefugeeDay, AUE opposes disgraceful government policies and urges communities to stand up for the human rights of people displaced and forced to flee for their lives. Swipe to read our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne’s statement, or read it on our website: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 22/06/2025
Today is #WindrushDay, which honours the contributions and highlights the struggles still faced by the Windrush Generation and descendants. Swipe to read an extract from our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne’s statement, and read the full text on our website: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/news/
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
We developed rates of pay guidelines to help artists know how much to charge for their time. But time isn’t the only thing artists need to take into account! Follow these guidelines to make sure you know how much to charge, and how to break down your fee: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk/rates-of-pay/
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Alone, we’re just one artist working in an incredibly unstable industry. Together, we’re a voice that can call for change. Join Artists’ Union England now for just £48 per year: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk #artistsunionengland #artistslife #artworkiswork
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne and delegates Antonietta Torsiello and Federico Ramos represented AUE at the TUC Black Workers’ Conference, campaigning against systemic racism and the disproportionate impacts of low pay on Black Artists. Join the 1900+ members of AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
AI devalues the skill of artists, with original work and intellectual property stolen and abused. Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne moved a motion which was passed by the GFTU at their Bienniale, urging our fellow unions to campaign for AI regulation. Join AUE now: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
Looking forward to running a workshop at @shambalafestival.org.web.brid.gy in August. www.shambalafestival.org/2025/events/...
shambalafestival.org
Building Effective Campaigns While Practicing Collective Care with Zita Holbourne - Shambala 2025
A session with campaigner, activist, writer and multidisciplinary artist Zita Holbourne on how to build a campaign resisting discrimination and injustice.  Zita will draw on successful
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
General Federation of Trade Unions @gftu.org.uk · 19/05/2025
Motion 11 | Protect Drivers from Exploitation by App Companies | UK Private Hire Drivers Union | Muhumed Ali Motion passed unanimously. Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/ #BGCM2025 #GFTU
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
General Federation of Trade Unions @gftu.org.uk · 19/05/2025
Privileged to have Lord John Hendy KC join us as a speaker at our #BGCM today, speaking on the #EmploymentRightsBill. #BGCM2025 #GFTU #ERB
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
General Federation of Trade Unions @gftu.org.uk · 19/05/2025
Proud to host Luke & Mike, reps of @unitetheunion.bsky.social for only 20 weeks, who have been participating in the #BirminghamBinStrike. "Is it hard being on strike?" "Ask my wife." ✊We stand with all members taking action. It's time this Gov & @cllrjohncotton.bsky.social #StopTheCuts #BGCM2025
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
General Federation of Trade Unions @gftu.org.uk · 19/05/2025
Motion 10 | Representing Self-Employed workers | @artistsunioneng.bsky.social | Zita Holbourne Motion passed unanimously. Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/ #BGCM2025 #GFTU
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
General Federation of Trade Unions @gftu.org.uk · 19/05/2025
Motion 12 | AI – democratic accountability, national and international regulation and workers’ rights | @artistsunioneng.bsky.social | Zita Holbourne Motion passed unanimously. Read the full motion here: gftu.org.uk/bgcm2025/ #BGCM2025 #GFTU
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
I co-signed this letter in solidarity with #brumbinstike
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 01/05/2025
My full podcast with @vandalfactory.bsky.social on being a creative & work for @artistsunioneng.bsky.social added bonus - Blue Skies #ellafitzgerald I sing this every day -every time someone announces they have gone over to Blue Sky I start singing it 🎵🎶🎹🎤 👩🏾‍🎤 youtu.be/SYNVKX4BpuM?...
youtu.be
Factory Floor Cuts: Zita Holbourne (Artists Union England)
YouTube video by Vandal Factory
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 28/04/2025
Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne joined the #MakeEqualityReal campaign to hand in our petition at Parliament and meet with MPs to discuss the devastating impact of austerity, calling for a commission to commence the socio-economic duty and end austerity for good. Join AUE: www.artistsunionengland.org.uk
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne and delegates Antonietta Torsiello and Federico Ramos attended the TUC Black Workers’ Conference, calling for anti-racism in schools and the dismantling of systemic barriers to success. www.artistsunionengland.org.uk #artistsunionengland #blackworkersconference #equality
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
General Federation of Trade Unions @gftu.org.uk · 22/04/2025
Today, the #MakeEqualityReal campaign went to Parliament to hand in our petition and meet with MPs. ⏰It’s time for a commission to commence the socio-economic duty & help end austerity. Thank you @nadiawhittomemp.bsky.social for hosting and all the MPs that joined us. #AntiAusterity
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
On Tuesday 22nd April, our Co-Chair Zita Holbourne will be speaking in Parliament, urging the government to #MakeEqualityReal by outlawing austerity. Please write to your MP asking them to support the campaign. Everyone deserves to live a secure and fulfilling life. www.ier.org.uk/news/make-eq...
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
Home Office spent £22,000 on failed attempt to stop Windrush report release
Hard-hitting internal investigation found roots of scandal lay in racist immigration legislation
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
London Launch of Covert 4 Magazine for which I am both a contributor and part of the editorial team. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-cov...
eventbrite.co.uk
London Covert Literary Magazine Issue 4 Launch: Handmade/Made by Hand
Join us at The Poetry Cafe for the London launch event of Covert Literary Magazine Issue 4.
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Speaking at two sessions today at Socialism or Barbarism @arise_festival day school, 1st on reparations for the ancestors of those enslaved then on Trump vs the Global South, on behalf of @baracuk.bsky.social #zitaholbournepoetartistactivist #Reparations #GlobalSouth #activism #globalmajority
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025... @baracuk.bsky.social
theguardian.com
Windrush victims could have compensation reconsidered after ruling
Denial of compensation for Raymond Lee, denied re-entry to UK in after 1999 trip to Jamaica, deemed ‘legal error’ by judge
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
theguardian.com
One of Stephen Lawrence’s killers reportedly now admits he was involved
David Norris, whose parole hearing is due, denied guilt after being jailed for the 1993 murder in south-east London
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
baracuk.bsky.social @baracuk.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
BARAC UK is a supporter of the International Al-Quds Day London March is on Sunday 23rd March, assembling at 2:30pm in Marble Arch, and marching to the BBC HQ in Portland Place, protesting the BBC's complicity in this genocide. It is important for us to get as many people as possible.
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
I was a winner of two awards in 2023 , a judge in 2024 and this year I am an adjudicator judge - that said - nominations are now open - so if there is anyone you believe deserves to be recognised and celebrating, please get nominating for the Caribbean Global Awards.
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
There are 4 days left to fill in the Government Consultation on copyright and AI. The form contains 49 questions. But you do not have answer all of them. We’ve identified the key questions you need to answer in order to make a stand. Read our guide: buff.ly/4b8P8sF
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
75.6% of our members have financial concerns about reaching retirement age. We are standing in solidarity with our 1700+ members to demand fair pay, better working conditions and sustainable futures for artists. Join us now: buff.ly/41S3v0a Results taken from our 2024 members’ survey.
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
We had a fantastic day at the launch of the Arts and Minds Campaign, which campaigns to put creativity at the heart of the curriculum. ALL children should have the right to study and enjoy the arts. Follow the campaign, get involved. buff.ly/3CwV1mN #ArtsAndMinds #TheArtsAndMindsCampaign
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
Low pay. Bad contracts. Poor working conditions. We need to remake the art world. Working in collaboration with our network of trade unions, we’re putting forward new policies and strong strategies to secure better working conditions for artists in England. buff.ly/41S3v0a #artworkiswork
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
In my message for #LGBThistorymonth on behalf of @artistsunioneng.bsky.social I pay tribute to @ladyphyll.bsky.social and @lgsmigrants.bsky.social 👏🏽👏🏽
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Reposted by Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author
Artists' Union England @artistsunioneng.bsky.social · 20/02/2025
The Labour Party Conference. The TUC Women’s Conference. The TUC Black Workers’ Conference. The Annual TUC Conference. When you join AUE, you’re represented by a dedicated committee who speak for artists on a national stage. Join our 1800+ members: buff.ly/41S3v0a Photo credit: Andy Aitchison.
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
I co-signed this letter on behalf of @baracuk.bsky.social www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/latest/news/...
refugeecouncil.org.uk
Over 100 charities and faith leaders unite against refugee citizenship ban
Well over 100 charities and faith leaders have come together in an urgent call against the Government’s decision to effectively ban tens of thousands of refugees from ever becoming British citizens. O...
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Pleased to be a judge again for this year's Caribbean Global Awards, this time as an adjudicator. From winner of 2 awards to judge to adjudicator. Nominations open in March and include self nomination.
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Zita Holbourne; Poet~Artist~Activist~Author @zitaholbourne.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Marking the 10 year anniversary of @ardenttheatre.bsky.social on the importance of theatre and other arts our all our lives. www.ardenttheatre.co.uk/blog/zita-ho... Photo of me at the 1 year anniversary event - We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah Photo credit: Mark Anthony Springer #theatre #arts
ardenttheatre.co.uk
Zita Holbourne — Ardent Theatre Company
Arts bring joy, relaxation, healing, therapy, education, awareness and so much more, enriching and essential to life, yet those of us who work in the creative sectors face low pay, precarious work, di...
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