Ubuntu – I am because we are

Inspired by the African philosophy of ubuntu, ‘I am because we are’ is a multi-stranded exhibition and workshop programme conceived by Jason Forrest, Sharon Bertram, and Ian Thompson, taking place at Camberwell Space from October to December 2025.

The philosophy of ubuntu, originating from the Bantu and Xhosa traditions of southern Africa, and later popularised by Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, embodies the idea that our humanity is deeply interconnected. The phrase ‘I am because we are’ expresses values of community, collectivism, and shared responsibility, fostering an awareness of how our lives are shaped by those around us.

These principles resonate strongly with the urban culture and landscape of Camberwell, providing opportunities to engage with local artists, businesses, schools, and community groups to develop a sense of belonging and community, both within Camberwell and the borough of Southwark.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Layton Reid - architect, designer, academic and founder of Desitecture - as a contributor to this year’s project. Reflecting on the collaboration, Professor Reid notes that “this partnership offers a fresh perspective on urban renewal and sustainability in poly cultural communities. It encourages public engagement through creative practices and leads to meaningful discussions and artistic expressions. Ultimately, it promotes the idea of "Ubuntu" - I am because we are - fostering stronger community involvement within the London borough of Southwark.”

This project builds upon the success of previous Black History Month initiatives, led by Sharon Bertram, including Wish You Were Here (Camberwell Space, 2022), Portraits of Peckham (Peckham Levels, 2023), and Lost and Found (Peckham Levels, 2024). Each of these projects has explored themes of belonging, intergenerational exchange, and community celebration.

As Ian Thompson, College Outreach Manager, explains, “The CCW outreach team are really excited to be able to work with our Insights students to develop and celebrate their ideas around Ubuntu and to create new relationships with internal and external creatives through our calls for artworks and workshop proposals”.

Call for Artworks
Create a postcard-sized artwork responding to the ubuntu message, exploring themes of community, connection, and shared humanity.

Blank postcards are available for collection from Camberwell Space.

Submit your completed artwork, with the required details, by Friday, 19 September 2025.For any questions, please contact cHVibGljcHJvZ3JhbW1lIHwgYXJ0cyAhIGFjICEgdWs=. We look forward to your contributions!

About the Project Curators and Contributors

Sharon Bertram

Sharon is a College Admissions Tutor supporting on the BA Graphic Design and BA Illustration courses at Camberwell College of Arts. She is an Interim Programme Development Director for ‘Unlocking Imaginations – Creative Design Programme’ across Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts. She also works within Outreach on the UAL Insights Autumn, Winter and Summer Schools Programmes.
Sharon co-ordinates and runs community engagement and extra-curricular art, graphic design and ceramics educational workshops. She has extensive experience and uses her industry networks to create and run various projects that collaborate with different organisations, these include The University of Oxford Kilns, The Design Museum and Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Sharon has commercial graphic design experience within the gaming industry and in a freelance capacity. She holds both an MA in Fine Art Digital and MA in Academic Practice, has a Post Graduate Certificate in Art Education and a PGCert, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Authority. Her research interests include the theory and practice of graphic design, ceramics and gamification.

Sharon’s teaching philosophy is based on a student-centred approach to learning and inclusive design practice for social change. Her practice is a synthesis of her research interests and an interdisciplinary approach to all her work.

Jason Forrest

Jason is the Curriculum Developer for Climate Justice at the University of the Arts London (UAL). He oversees the modification, reapproval, and validation of programmes that integrate climate, racial, and social justice principles across the art-based curriculum at Camberwell, Chelsea, and Wimbledon colleges.

He engages staff and students through competitions and collaborative initiatives to promote these values. Jason is currently completing his Master of Arts in Academic Practice at UAL, with a focus on Ubuntu leadership and philosophy pertinent to social purpose. He spearheaded this initiative, after the completion of the BHM reclaiming narrative lecture series, in conjunction with UAL curriculum developers and CCW GEMS network.​

Jason previously served as the Programme Lead for the Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Marketing and Communication at the University of East London (UEL) and acted as an external examiner for Fashion Image and Journalism at Central Saint Martins (CSM). His work contributed to UEL achieving the Athena Swan Silver Award in April 2024. His commitment to critical pedagogy, fostering student employability within the creative industries. He is a member of the FACE and NSEAD.

Ian Thompson

Ian is an arts, design and communication education specialist with extensive experience of developing, delivering & managing innovative programmes of study across schools, FE Colleges and universities. Ian currently leads the Outreach programme across Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, is a Director of Art Matters London CIC, moderates for the UAL Awarding Body, is a member of NSEAD, completed an MA in Academic Practice in 2018, and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a UAL Senior Teaching Scholar.

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