The Cave

Description:A number of black arts centres have been founded in Britain which have provided an important space for the development and performance of black artists. Their development, primarily in the 1980s, reflected a need for spaces where black artists and art forms, which were not well-represented in 'mainstream' venues, could gain greater expression.

The Community and Village Entertainment (CAVE) art centre was based on Moseley Road in Birmingham and occupied the building that was previously the Grand Palace cinema. It was established by Bob Ramdhanie who was key to other black arts initiatives in Birmingham such as Handsworth Cultural Centre, Kokuma Dance Company and the Black Dance Development Trust. The Cave opened in the 1980s as a project which aimed to involve the local community in a variety of arts activities.

The Cave's aims were to provide:

 a link between probation clients and the local community
 educational and recreational opportunities for young people
 creative opportunities for unemployed people
 a venue for local regional and national artists

Many African-Caribbean and South Asian artists and companies such as Kokuma and Irie! performed at the Cave. The venue was also host to Birmingham's Black Theatre Festival 'Kojoyo.'

Aston-based The Drum, which is now a prominent local, national and international centre for black arts, developed out of the work of the Cave.