The Bermuda National Gallery will host a special conversation about the African Diaspora today featuring local and international experts.

The presentation will be hosted by the Bermuda National Gallery in association with the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Bermuda Foundation.

'Conversation with Friends of the Diaspora' will feature James Early of the Smithsonian Institution.

Edward Harris, Quito Swan, Terence Chatman, Lynn Winfield and Kim Dismont-Robinson will discuss their life experiences respective of the history and current state of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail.

The talk will be staged within the backdrop of the Gallery's Biennial exhibition and artwork from the African collection.

This event will feature the unique talents of Bermudian artists Graham Foster and Bill "Mussey" Ming.

Inspired by the historical events of Enterprise, the slave ship that landed on Bermuda shores in 1835, a very special performance titled 'We Arrive!' will be presented by TROIKA.

"This event is an important collaboration that intends to communicate to the public the gallery's commitment to cultural diversity and social inclusion," said Lisa Howie, BNG director. "One of the gallery's significant collections is the African Collection, which consists of 37 artworks representing 22 peoples from 12 countries in sub-Saharan, West Africa. Many were purchased in 1996 by members of the community: school children, families, corporations, and government.

"This is a traditional collection, which celebrates the heritage and creativity of West African cultures. For this evening's important event we will showcase several works from the collection."

She said the gallery was actively seeking to build the collection to include contemporary pieces that reflect the evolution of African art.

"In order for the gallery to fulfil its mission of community enrichment and engagement, it is necessary that the African Collection continue to evolve," said Ms Howie. "By contemporising the African Collection the BNG will truly represent Africa's widespread artistic expression, both past and present.

"Our hope is that this event gives us a platform to encourage the community to actively play a role in the acquisition process to realise the necessary evolution of the African Collection by making a donation to the BNG's African Collection acquisition fund."

The event will be held today at the Bermuda National Gallery, City Hall from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are encouraged.