Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music Book wins award...

Association of Cultural Enterprises Awards 2025
Best Publication
British Library Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music

This innovative book was created to accompany an exhibition aiming to engage new audiences and share culture. From Tudor trumpeters (I wrote the John Blanke Chapter) to Drum ‘n’ Bass and Afrobeats, six centuries of Black musicwww.johnblanke.com/blog/john-blanke-live-event-at-british-library and stories have been skilfully worked into one comprehensive volume, drawing from communities and personal archives.

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Of Beyond the Bassline book the ACE judges said....
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Here are your judges' comments. This was a really popular category with some amazing publications, so you have done really well to be shortlisted, congratulations again!

The process of this book makes it all the more potent. The fact that it was meant to be an exhibition companion book, and due to circumstances, became a standalone text on a relevant subject lends it a lot more effect. It's an innovative book that frames an exhibition, and also leaves a lasting legacy. Giving so much space and time to marginalised artists and their histories in this landmark publication is notable. The book was received so well. Selling a print run is notable. This was a clear commercial success. I hope they do print a paperback run! Really great publication.

Contemporary, on brand, exhibition aligned, profitable, popular, broad appeal, based on solid research and well put together.