Thompsons Solicitors is proud to sponsor the fourth annual Roots Culture Identity Exhibition organised by the TUC (Trades Union Congress) to showcase the work of young black artists.

The exhibition, which is hosted by the TUC Race Relations Committee, takes place from 15 - 22 April at the Marble Hall at Congress House. It aims to highlight the work of young black artists and recognises the impact of austerity on young black workers as well as institutional racism in the arts and culture sector.

The event forms part of the annual TUC Black Workers Conference and is designed to meet one of the recommendations from the TUC Stephen Lawrence Task Group to use the Marble Hall as a space to showcase the talent of black artists.

Activist Zita Holbourne, who is a member of the TUC Race Relations Committee, began the annual exhibition four years ago to provide marginalised groups with a chance to receive recognition for their work.

Wilf Sullivan, TUC race equality officer, said: “Art plays an important role in the fight for justice which is why this art exhibition has become an integral part of the TUC Black Workers’ Conference. I am pleased that it provides a unique space and opportunity for young black artists to show their work an exposes them to an audience that they would not otherwise have access to.

“In a time when state funding of the arts has been decimated and the support for young black artists is at an all-time low, it is important that the TUC provides and continues to provide opportunities for Black artists to showcase their work.”

Rakesh Patel, head of employment rights strategy at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “We’re very proud to be sponsoring the Roots Culture Identity exhibition at the TUC Black Workers Conference for the fourth year running.

“With the current climate of racism towards migrants and refugees, it is more important than ever to remember the legacy of Stephen Lawrence and to recognise that black people are disproportionately disadvantaged by government cuts, along with other minority communities.”

The art exhibition is taking place in The Marble Hall, TUC HQ, Congress House, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3LS from 15 April - 22 April 2016.