Cadavre Exquis: What happened down there? Don’t you know? I’m talking about a revolution

Abstract

This article explores the work of an anti-racist book group, whose genesis stems from the 2021 British Association of Music Therapy Race Awareness Panel. The group, initially formed by white music therapists grappling with white supremacy, expanded to include Black and Brown activists, including other arts therapies. They utilised the art technique of the cadavre exquis (exquisite corpse) to examine racial tensions and belonging. Inspired by Layla F. Saad’s work in challenging understandings of whiteness, this article employs the cadavre exquis to express both differences and shared experiences, demonstrating that belonging is cultivated, not assumed. This Surrealist technique involving collaborative, unseen artistic contributions reflects the group’s process. Participants contribute written pieces and musical offerings in response to a central theme (Examining emergent cultural content from within and without: What’s in the room and where do I belong?), highlighting the impact of events like the murder of George Floyd and the pervasive nature of systemic racism from the viewpoints of Brown, Black, and white bodies. This collaborative approach seeks to create a space for open, honest, and sometimes painful dialogue, aiming to deepen understanding, foster connections, and promote action against racial injustice.