DOCUMENTING THE CARIBBEAN CLUB: THEN AND NOW

John Ferguson + Tony Powlett

Part of The ICA Project

Date: Thu 21 Nov 2024

Time: 19:30 - 21:00 (1.5 hours)

Doors open @ 19:00

Location: SPILL Think Tank

Tickets: £5

Free access companion/carer tickets are available. If you are a wheelchair user or have any other access requirements you would like to discuss with us, please call
01473 216 545 or email boxoffice@spillfestival.com


Image courtesy of Tony Powlett

The Ipswich Caribbean Association building (ICA) on Woodbridge Road was a busy community centre and social club between the early 1970s and 2010. The ICA Project revisits the building (which was demolished in 2012) through specially commissioned photography, newly collected oral histories, and archival materials made public for the first time.

For this special evening event, join photographer John Ferguson, creator of the ICA Memories photographic commission, and Tony Powlett, an avid documenter of the Caribbean Club, in conversation with SPILL Artistic Director Robin Deacon.

Together, they will share their knowledge and recollections of the ICA’s activities and communities, and their respective experiences documenting its vibrant history.


Think Tank Live events start with a performance or presentation from our featured artist, followed by a Q&A session hosted by our Artistic Director, Robin Deacon. Stick around afterwards for drinks and chat!


MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST: johnfergusonphoto.com

The ICA Project commission was awarded to John Ferguson following an open call in spring 2024. Based in both London and Suffolk, John is a celebrated portrait photographer whose love for community and cultural preservation has led him to pursue projects that celebrate and document the unique heritage of East Anglia. 

Tony Powlett was the ‘unofficial photographer’ at the Caribbean Club for many years, always with his camera in his hand. We are indebted to Tony and his family for their extensive contributions to The ICA Project.