Holding Up the Ladder: Celebrating Black Creative Excellence

Holding Up the Ladder is a documentary series and podcast platform dedicated to amplifying the arts and celebrating the black creative experience. Hosted by musician Matshidiso, the platform features conversations with practitioners across music, film, architecture, and social justice. Based in London, United Kingdom, the project focuses on the creative process, mentorship, and building a supportive community within the creative industries. By documenting the 'how' and 'why' of artistic practice, Holding Up the Ladder serves as an archive of contemporary excellence and a resource for emerging talent. The series emphasizes the importance of mutual support, adhering to the philosophy of holding up the ladder for others rather than pulling it up, thereby fostering a more inclusive and collaborative creative landscape. Through its multiple seasons and collaborations with institutions like the Royal College of Art, the platform provides deep insights into the challenges and triumphs of creators of color. It captures the essence of artistic resilience and the power of shared knowledge in the modern art world.