As Arsenal Football Club celebrates one of the most successful seasons in its modern history, the North London club is also shining a spotlight on its deep-rooted connection with Black British culture through a new installation at V&A East Museum.
The installation forms part of ‘The Music is Black: A British Story’, a major exhibition exploring the influence, creativity and cultural impact of Black British music over the last 125 years. Running until January 2027, the exhibition is the inaugural showcase at the newly opened V&A East Museum in Stratford, East London.
Arsenal’s Connection to Music, Community and Identity
The launch event, held at UCL East in Stratford, brought together influential voices from football, music, fashion and academia to discuss Arsenal’s unique place within Black British cultural life.
The evening was hosted by author and academic Dr Clive Nwonka and chaired by broadcaster and former Olympian Jeanette Kwakye.
Panel guests included Arsenal legend Anita Asante, fashion designer Foday Dumbuya, and Ghanaian-British producer and DJ Juls.
The discussion explored how generations of Black players, supporters and creatives have shaped Arsenal’s identity, helping the club become far more than a football institution.
A Historic Season for Arsenal
The installation arrives at a significant moment for Arsenal. Following a landmark campaign that saw the club secure its first Premier League title in more than two decades, supporters from across the globe united during the club’s Champions Parade celebrations.
Music played a central role in those celebrations, with performances and DJ sets helping to create an atmosphere that reflected Arsenal’s diverse fanbase and cultural influence beyond football.
According to the panel, this sense of belonging and shared identity remains one of Arsenal’s defining strengths.
Speaking during the event, Anita Asante highlighted the importance of representation in football and culture:
“When you see yourself and your community reflected in these players, you see yourself represented on the pitch. You also see the freedom they have to express themselves beyond the game.”
Meanwhile, Juls reflected on the emotional connection many supporters feel toward the club:
“Arsenal is always around me when I’m creating because it represents so much of who I am. I want to support the club, because it makes me feel part of a community, part of a family.”
Fashion, Football and Global Influence
The conversation also examined Arsenal’s growing influence within fashion and creative industries.
Foday Dumbuya discussed his collaboration with Arsenal and adidas on the club’s Africa-inspired 2024/25 away kit, which was photographed in his hometown in Sierra Leone.
The project highlighted the global reach of Arsenal’s culture and fanbase, particularly across Africa, where the club enjoys enormous support.
What Visitors Can See at the Exhibition
Arsenal’s contribution to the exhibition includes:
- A large mural originally displayed at Emirates Stadium charting the club’s Black history.
- Historic Arsenal shirts and memorabilia.
- Video installations celebrating the relationship between football, music and storytelling.
- Content featuring collaborations with musicians, players and cultural figures.
Visitors can also explore projects featuring Femi Koleoso, alongside stories involving Arsenal players and prominent figures connected to the club’s cultural legacy.
The wider exhibition showcases more than 120 tracks and explores the impact of Black British music genres including lovers rock, jungle, grime, UK garage and drum and bass through immersive multimedia experiences.
Why This Exhibition Matters
‘The Music is Black: A British Story’ highlights how Black creativity has shaped British culture across music, fashion, sport and everyday life. Arsenal’s inclusion demonstrates how football clubs can serve as cultural institutions, reflecting the communities that support them and helping tell stories that extend far beyond the pitch.
The exhibition is open now at V&A East and runs until January 2027.
Learn more at: www.arsenal.com
