THIS year's Black History Month will be looking ahead instead of to the past.

Events in October will showcase the work of black artists who explore the themes of Afrofuturism - a combination of science fiction, technology, history and fantasy and the African experience.

Showcase Gallery will present an exhibition of exciting UK artists who are exploring art through a black cultural lens.

Dismantling stereotypes, fusing cultures, and imagining futures are ways in which artists such as Ade Adesina and Harold Offeh are providing a starting point in the gallery for a range of open events.

From October - December they will explore Afrofuturism and how it connects to Southampton.

The gallery will be host to a series of cross disciplinary activities, collaborations, screenings and events that will invite communities to discuss how an Afrofuturism exhibition project, planned for 2020/21, might take shape and have a voice in how the project might evolve.

Events already on the books are Black to the Future opening night on October 11 from 6-8pm at Showcase Gallery, Above Bar.

On October 25 an Afrofuturism discussion evening starts at 6:30–9pm at Showcase Gallery.

You are invited to debate what Afrofuturism means to you and how you can shape an Afrofuturism project in Southampton in 2020/21.

It will include a panel discussion chaired by Don John and including Paloma Faith backing singer Naomi Miller, producer Junior Jones and youth worker Sal Chitulu.

Sharon Lloyd from the university's school of art, design and fashion will also be there and Southampton painist Jonathan Fashole-Luke will provide the music.

As part of Southampton Film Week in November there will be a special viewing of Sun Ra’s seminal 1974 film “Space is The Place.”

The term "Black To The Future" was coined by Mark Dery in 1994 when he defined it as fiction addressing African-American themes in 21st century techno-culture.

Afrofuturism explores the future in a black context.

Organiser Don John said: "Some people are less comfortable with this title than others, and of course all of this is open to discussion."