Go Back and Get It: Exploring Sankofa
As part of their city and festival-wide We, Generate programme, Lighthouse’s Future Creative Leaders are curating a day of activity within the two-day youth-led takeover of Brighton Dome Studio Theatre.
What happens when the people usually talked about become the people doing the talking?
We, Generate. is a youth-led takeover of Brighton Dome, produced by the Future Creative Leaders at Lighthouse - a collective of young creatives, thinkers and community builders reimagining what culture looks like when it starts from the ground up. The day unfolds in two acts.
Part I — Go Back and Get It: Exploring Sankofa
Led by researcher and cultural strategist Fez Sibanda, this is a facilitated inquiry into what happens when a generation chooses to look back - not with nostalgia, but with purpose. What wisdom has been left behind? What tools already exist? And what does it mean to activate hope, not just hold it?
Joining the conversation: Mikaela Loach, activist, author and campaigner for climate and racial justice; Joycelyn Longdon, environmental justice technologist, writer and founder of Climate in Colour; and local storyteller and community leader, Naiya. Together with young voices from Brighton's grassroots creative communities, they'll explore inheritance, imagination and the courage to reimagine - live, in dialogue with the room.
Through audience contribution and collective writing, the conversation will produce a living manifesto: a declaration of intent, shaped in the moment, by the people in the room.
The writings will be on the wall. Literally.
Part of our Future Creative Leaders (FCL), We, Generate programme for Brighton Festival 2026. Featuring live events, conversations, and a youth takeover, it’s a space for experimentation and community.
Date: Monday, 25 May 2026
Times: Doors: 1.30 PM. Event: 2 - 3.30 PM
Location: Brighton Dome Studio Theatre, New Rd Brighton, BN1 1UG (map)
Tickets: £5. Booking Required.
Ages: 14+ Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and will be allocated a wristband and/or sticker at check-in.
ACCESSIBILITY
This event will be held at the Brighton Dome Studio Theatre, New Rd Brighton, BN1 1UG (map). This venue is fully accessible. Find the accessibility information for the Studio Theatre here. For further information, email: [email protected] or phone: 01273 261541. For urgent requests call the box office on 01273 709 709 Mon-Sat, 10:00-17:00.
CODE OF CONDUCT
We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, supportive environment for all. We ask that everyone follow our code of conduct, which you can read here.
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO DURING EVENT
Please note that this event will be photographed/filmed. If you prefer not to be photographed, please speak to a member of the Lighthouse team. The photographs and film we capture at our events are used for marketing and promotional purposes for our programme only and are stored securely.
ABOUT OUR FUNDERS AND PARTNERS
Innovate UK, Chalk Cliff Trust, Sussex Community Foundation, Enjoolata Foundation, and Brighton Festival.
ABOUT LIGHTHOUSE
Lighthouse is a Brighton-based arts charity championing young people aged 16–30 to shape the future of the creative industries. For nearly 40 years, we’ve supported emerging talent, especially those facing systemic barriers, in developing as artists, producers, and creative leaders.
Our programmes place power directly in the hands of young people, pairing digital innovation with community-driven practice to build equitable pathways into the sector.