It’s been nothing but celebration and smiles for Arsenal Football Club and its supporters since historically clinching the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years. To add to the celebratory season, the North London club has launched a new installation within the V&A East Museum’s “The Music is Black: A British Story” exhibition to shed light on its longstanding connection to Black British culture, music, and community.

The club’s contribution features a mural first showcased at Emirates Stadium that traces Arsenal’s Black history, alongside a selection of player shirts and memorabilia from the club’s history.  Also on display is a curated selection of the club’s recent video content celebrating the influence of Black culture, music and storytelling within football. Taking visitors on an immersive journey, the exhibition moves from musical moments, including the club’s collaborations with Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso welcoming Martin Zubimendi and Arsenal Women’s Olivia Smith to the club, through to the award-winning film bringing together Eberechi Eze and Arsenal legend Ian Wright, and in-depth conversations with Noni Madueke, Taylor Hinds and Black Arsenal editor, Dr Clive Nwonka exploring the history, stories and inspirations behind this special relationship.

To mark the installation’s launch, Arsenal hosted a special panel discussion led by Academic-in-Residence Dr Clive Nwonka, author of the acclaimed book ‘Black Arsenal’, and chaired by former Olympian and broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye MBE. The panel featured Arsenal legend Anita Asante; LABRUM London founder Foday Dumbuya, who collaborated with Arsenal and adidas on the club’s 2024/25 Africa-inspired away kit, and Ghanaian-British afrobeats producer, DJ and musician, Juls, who composed the music for the kit’s launch film.  

The discussion also explored how generations of Black players, supporters and creatives have helped shape Arsenal's identity, redefining representation in English football and establishing the club as a cultural force extending into music, fashion and everyday life.

Sharing their thoughts on Arsenal’s enduring bond with the communities at the heart of the club, the panellists reflected on the relationships, moments and experiences that have shaped its legacy. We asked each of the panelists to describe Arsenal in 3 words. Here’s what they said:

Anita Asante: Family, Fandom, Culture.

Juls: Resilience, Community, Greatness.

Foday Dumbuya: Culture, Community, People

The Black Arsenal installation is now open at V&A East as part of The Music is Black: A British Story, running until January 2027.