Press room

Following the success of last year’s debut event, We Are Parable, An Evening of Purpose returns to the Barbican on Friday 29 September, from 6.30pm to 10pm. Featuring an uplifting evening of music, film, conversation, networking and, above all, empowerment to live with purpose, this special event has been created in association with Jessica Huie MBE, publicist and author of PURPOSE, and the Barbican. 

An Evening of Purpose
presented by We Are Parable, Jessica Huie MBE, and the Barbican in partnership with UnLtd
Fri 29 Sep, Barbican Cinema 1, 6.30pm-10pm

The evening brings together gifted creatives and influential voices from across the UK to share stories and insights designed to inspire and move; guests confirmed so far are: Teshay Makeda, Singer/Song writer; Reuben Christian, Dream Rehab; Sope Agbelusi, Executive Leadership Coach; Isabela Coracy, Ballet Black; and Araba Ofori-Acquah, Author of Return to Source; Danna Walker, Founder of Built By Us and Karl Lokko, Co-Founder of Black Seed Ventures, with more to follow.  

At a time when we are experiencing significant social challenge, loneliness and impacted mental health, this collaborative, experiential evening fusing together music, dance and film with conversation, aims to take the audience on a journey back to themselves to experience connection, expansion and purpose.

This year’s event is in partnership with UnLtd, the leading provider of funding and support to social entrepreneurs in and around the UK.

Denise Ramsey Director of Social Entrepreneur Support at UnLtd said: “UnLtd are delighted to be working with We Are Parable and Jessica Huie for the 2023 Evening of Purpose. Social entrepreneurs use their lived and learned experience to tackle some of today’s biggest challenges and drive lasting social change. This is led by their own purpose to see people, communities, and society thriving through innovative, sustainable ideas. I’m thrilled to be a part of this collaboration and share this space as we nurture meaningful conversations about what matters to people and showcase the power of social change and purpose to build better futures together.”

Jessica Huie MBE said: “We are turning up the frequency on Evening of Purpose this year. It’s healing when we come together in a space of authentic connection, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience the creative talent of our performers and insight from our speakers being shared this year. The mission is to uplift, reconnect to our dreams and cultivate that inner strength which anchors us when life feels challenging. Expect all the power of last year with added surprises!”

Teanne Andrews, Director of Operations, We Are Parable said: “Last year’s Evening of Purpose was a truly special night of film, movement and conversation, and we couldn’t be happier that it’s returning in 2023. With new partners like UnLtd and Dream Rehab, and critically acclaimed films that will entertain and enthral, this year’s event promises to be a truly unforgettable one, giving our audiences an opportunity to continue walking in their purpose.”

Karena Johnson, Head of Creative Collaboration, Barbican said: “I am delighted this partnership with We Are Parable and Jessical Huie MBE continues this year. To find purpose and forge better futures together is something we can all aspire to, and we are excited to be part of this ambition. We look forward to this next An Evening of Purpose event in September.”

Tickets:
Full price: £30
Young Barbican: £10