Performance Altars of Planetary Healing with Seyi Adelekun

Join artist Seyi Adelekun for a participatory performance exploring how we might embody planetary healing in the face of systemic harm and injustice.

Planetary healing is the collective act of restoring balance between people, land, and spirit by addressing the wounds of colonialism, environmental destruction, and cultural loss through care, ceremony, and justice.

The event takes place at Stuart Hall Library, located in a building with a complex past. Once part of the Royal Army Medical College (1901–2005), which played a role in the British Empire’s use of racialised science and military medicine to exploit and control Black bodies and lands especially in Africa and the Caribbean. Its legacy echoes today in ongoing environmental racism, such as through oil spills in the Niger Delta.

In response, Seyi will perform sacred indigenous healing rituals and embodied acts of resistance as a decolonial tool to transform architecture of harm into sites of healing emotionally, ancestrally and ecologically.

You’ll be invited to visit thematic altars of planetary healing set up inside and outside the library*. Each altar features a text as score that help us think about grief, care, and resilience. Participants are invited to take part by reading aloud, listening deeply, and engaging in activities such as herbal tea tasting and trying sensory craft. These experiences are designed to help us connect more deeply with ourselves, each other, and the environment.

This event marks the end of Seyi’s time as artist-in-residence at Stuart Hall Library, presented in partnership with 32° East KLA ART ’24 Festival.

*Some parts of this event will take place outdoors, weather permitting.

About the Artist

Seyi Adelekun is a London-based multidisciplinary artist of Yoruba-Nigerian heritage. Their practice is deeply rooted in ecology, spiritual wisdom, and indigenous knowledge, using performance, movement, and bio-material craft to create spaces of deep listening, healing, and environmental awareness. Their work fosters connections with the more-than-human world and centres the experiences of global majority communities.

Accessibility

We are committed to creating a space where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to take part fully.

Venue Access:

• Stuart Hall Library is located within Chelsea College of Arts, 16 John Islip Street, London SW1P 4JU. It has step-free access with wheelchair-friendly pathways and doorways, though some corridors/study areas may be narrow.
• The nearest step-free Underground station is Pimlico (Victoria Line), approximately 5–7 minutes away on foot.
• There are drop-off points and limited Blue Badge parking available nearby on Millbank and John Islip Street.

Toilets:

• There is one toilet inside at the back of Stuart Hall Library.
• An accessible toilet is located on the first floor, equipped with grab rails and alarm system. An additional accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of the Chelsea College of Arts building (adjacent to the library).
• Nearest Changing Places toilet located 120m away at Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG.

During the event:

• Portable seating will be available throughout the event for those who may need to sit or rest.
• A quiet space will be available on site for rest or sensory breaks.
• Some activities will take place outdoors (weather permitting); these spaces are level, step-free, and accessible via paved paths.
• Herbal teas served during the event will be clearly labelled with ingredients and common allergens.
• All printed texts used at the altars will be available in large print and accessible reading aids such as magnifiers will be provided.

If you have specific access needs or requests, please let us know when booking, or contact us in advance at library@iniva.org or 07561 780317.