I am Joshua Omeke, a multidisciplinary writer, performer, visual artist, and artistic researcher whose practice spans poetry, fiction, spoken word performance, photography, criticism, and interdisciplinary storytelling. My work explores African heritage, migration, spirituality, identity, memory, and contemporary cultural experience, often bridging literary practice with participatory public engagement.
Over the past decade, my practice has developed from individual artistic production into facilitating creative ecosystems that support emerging artists and culturally diverse communities. Through writing, performance, workshops, mentoring, and cultural programming, I create spaces where storytelling functions as both artistic expression and collective cultural dialogue.
I am the founder of Alkebulan Art, an interdisciplinary creative platform supporting literature, film, photography, music, and visual arts through collaboration, publishing, and artist development initiatives.
I was endorsed under the Global Talent route by Arts Council England, recognising the international trajectory and impact of my literary practice.
Upcoming Projects
2026–2027 — Alkebulan Stories (Research & Development Project), UK
Artist-led research and interdisciplinary development programme exploring collaborative storytelling, mentorship, and participatory creative practice.
2026 — Writing Our Legacy Covert Art Talent Development Programme, UK
Selected participant in national talent development cohort working with established UK writers and facilitators.
2026 — MFA Creative Writing Research Practice, York St John University, UK
Practice-based postgraduate research investigating interdisciplinary storytelling, cultural memory, and creative facilitation.
Forthcoming Literary Projects
• Room 112 — novel (submission stage)
• Kings Without Crown — fiction manuscript (submission stage)
• Cosplaying as Massa — experimental literary project (submission stage)
• Evil on Eken Day — ongoing research-led narrative project
Recent Publications & Creative Works
• Hymns of a Deepman (2024) — exhibited at the London Book Fair, UK (2025)
• The Middlebelt of Enlightenment (2024)
• Joe’s Collectanea (2023)
My writing has been published internationally across Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and the United States in journals, newspapers, and literary magazines including The Guardian Nigeria, The Nation, Daily Monitor Uganda, African Writers Magazine, Spillwords Press, Lagos Review, and Leeds Art Revue.
My practice moves fluidly between poetry, prose, criticism, and experimental hybrid forms combining text, performance, and visual storytelling.
Performance & Public Programming
Since 2011, I have presented spoken word performances, readings, and interdisciplinary literary events internationally, including:
• Apples and Snakes — Jaw Dance, London
• Ubuntu Café readings at the London School of Economics, UK
• Writing Our Legacy poetry readings, UK
• Blackish International Festival
• World of Love Festival
• Yurt Café Poetry Sessions, London
• Bring Your Own Bars, London
• Lost Souls Poetry Night
• Bogobiri Poetry Nights, Lagos
• CORA Lagos Book & Art Festival programming
My performances integrate poetry, theatre, and audience interaction, positioning storytelling as a communal and participatory cultural practice.
Workshop Practice & Artist Development
A core aspect of my practice involves workshop facilitation and creative mentoring. I design learning environments that encourage experimentation, collaboration, and artistic confidence among emerging creatives.
Workshop and development activity includes:
•Creative writing and spoken word workshops (UK & international)
• Virtual workshop facilitation at Pa Gya Literary Festival (2023)
• Creative sessions at Yurt Café, London
• Partnership workshops with Jimmy Asher Foundation (2024)
• Afrocentric Heritage: Immersive Africa — material development programme
• Writing retreats and mentoring through Writing Our Legacy
• Ongoing peer mentoring and artist support initiatives
These activities have informed my transition toward research-led cultural facilitation and participatory artistic practice.
Visual & Interdisciplinary Practice
Alongside literature, I maintain an active visual practice in photography, drawing, and cubist-inspired visual experimentation. My interdisciplinary approach connects image, text, performance, and research, exploring how storytelling operates across artistic mediums.
I also work as an art critic and editor, contributing reviews and editorial development for books, films, exhibitions, and creative publications.
Editorial, Critical & Collaborative Work
Editorial projects include:
• Behind the Viewfinder — Temilade Adelaja (2024)
• Omo Agosasa — Matthew Aderohunmu (2024)
• There Goes Life, Martha, and Everything Else — Tilewa Yussuf (2024)
• 48 Thoughts You Should Read — Echendu Chukwudi (2024)
Critical writing and artistic review projects span literature, film, painting, and performance, supporting emerging artists through dialogue and critique.
Residencies, Awards & Recognition
• Global Talent Endorsement
• ARIBP Best Indie Writer Award (2nd Runner-Up, 2024)
• LoveReading UK — Indie Book We Love recognition
• Creative Future Writers’ Award — Longlisted
• Sahitya Sparsh Awards 2026 — Nominee
• Writing Our Legacy South Downs Writing Retreat
My work has received media recognition from Kirkus Reviews, The Independent, Guardian Nigeria, Modern Ghana, NaijaTimes, African Writers Magazine, and international literary platforms.
Education
2026–2028 — MFA Creative Writing (Ongoing)
York St John University, UK
2025 — MSc Financial Markets & Asset Management (Distinction)
Universidad de Isabel I / ENEB
2023 — MSc Business Innovation with E-Business (Merit)
Birkbeck, University of London
2020 — BSc Physics Honours
Delta State University
Current Practice & Direction
My practice is currently transitioning from individual authorship toward cultural leadership and research-driven artistic development. Through Alkebulan Art and my facilitation work, I am building interdisciplinary platforms that support collaboration, mentorship, and inclusive creative participation.
The proposed project represents a continuation of this trajectory — developing sustainable models for artist development, experimentation, and community-centred storytelling within the UK cultural landscape.
