* El Anatsui’s ‘Split Personality’ and ‘Man Resplendent Pissing Around the World’ sculptures will form the centre-pieces of the New Colours from Old World: Contemporary Art from West Africa exhibition being held from February 4-March 20. The exhibition at The October Gallery will feature intricate silk thread works, batiks and paintings from some of Africa’s finest artists. Details: The October Gallery, 24 Old Gloucester Street, London WClN 3AL, tel: 0171 242 7367.

* New Beginnings: A Celebration of Local Children’s Art at the London International Gallery of Children’s Art is a presentation of pupils’ artwork from 15 north London schools. Set up three years ago, the gallery has exhibited art by children in refugee camps in North Africa and Greece. Workshops and activity programmes for schools will begin later this year. Details: LIGCA, O2 Leisure Centre, 255 Finchley Road, London NW3 6LU, tel: 0171 435 0903.

* The Royal Festival Hall is presenting a literary and musical gathering of women to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 4. Now in its third year, ‘In Celebration of My Sisters’ features readings from dub poet Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Jo Hodges and Patience Agbabi. Tickets: pound;16, pound;18 and pound;22. Details: The Write Thing, 0171 924 0112.

* Gary Wilmot and students fromthe Dupont Dance and Stage School are taking part in ‘Thursday’s Child’, a musical commissioned by the United Nations Children’s Fund to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, on February 28 at the Foreign and Commonwealth Institute, London. A teacher’s pack, video of the performance and activity book will also be available. Details: Fiona Salmon, UNICEF, 55 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3NB, tel: 0171 405 5592.