Celebrating Diversity: Chelsea FC’s 120th Birthday Exhibition

3 min read

Chelsea FC celebrates its 120th birthday with an exhibition at London’s Saatchi Gallery, showcasing five diverse creative artists. The event also promotes the Blue Creator Fund, which supports underrepresented talent in the creative industry. Featured are notable memorabilia from the club’s history, particularly highlighting the women’s team. The exhibition runs until March 24, inviting public engagement with Chelsea’s legacy.

A new exhibition marks Chelsea Football Club’s 120th birthday at London’s Saatchi Gallery, showcasing the works of five selected artists from diverse backgrounds. The club’s Foundation, in partnership with Versus media, launched the exhibition titled “This Game is What We Make It” to highlight these creatives, with a prize of $26,000 and mentorship from designer Nicholas Davey. The winners, chosen from 800 applicants, include Ebele Ojechi, Jerrell Cumberbatch, Gabin Kongolo, Letitia Inniss, and Still Shadey.

The exhibition features a blend of memorabilia and art, celebrating notable moments in Chelsea’s history, including tributes to its women’s team, which has recently excelled in the Women’s Super League. Among the displays are shirts from pivotal games along with personal artworks reflecting the community and culture surrounding the club.

Ebele Ojechi’s work stands out; the British-Nigerian designer created a sportswear collection inspired by Chelsea’s iconic kits and Igbo culture. Her collection, titled “For the Glory”, represents the integration of past and present football experiences, particularly reflecting the vast Chelsea fanbase in Nigeria.

Ojechi discussed the significance of Chelsea’s diversity amongst its women players, stating, “Chelsea’s women’s team is super-diverse… I’m really inspired by how humans come from different backgrounds and join one team.” She also expressed pride in being part of the club’s representation, involving current players in her work.

The exhibition aims not only to celebrate creativity but also to uplift underrepresented groups in the sports industry. Laura Cordingley, CEO of the Chelsea Foundation, emphasised the importance of diverse representation in content creation and the celebration of young talent from various backgrounds: “It’s not just about what happens on the pitch, it’s also what happens off the pitch.”

The exhibition runs until March 24 at Saatchi Gallery, inviting the public to engage with 120 years of Chelsea’s legacy and its impact on culture, creativity, and community.

Chelsea Football Club’s 120th birthday exhibition showcases the creativity of underrepresented artists, highlights the club’s diversity, and underscores the importance of community connections. It aims to inspire and support young talent in the creative and sporting realms, celebrating not only footballing achievements but also cultural contributions. Visitors are encouraged to experience the unique blend of art and history until March 24 at the Saatchi Gallery.

Original Source: www.forbes.com