National Black Arts Festival

For the last 36 years, NBAF has provided high-quality artistic and educational programs that uplift the work of Black artists. Our organization is celebrated within and beyond Fulton County for our unique role in preserving Black cultural heritage while advancing the work of contemporary artists of African descent.

OUR WORK

We EXPOSE audiences to art and artists of African descent through innovative programs and collaborations across dance, film, music, theater, literary and visual arts. 

We EDUCATE audiences by offering impactful and enriching programs to celebrate the diverse history and the immense depth of African American creative expression to inspire the next generation.

We ENGAGE audiences, highlighting emerging and established artists through immersive arts events and public programs that are free and open to the community. 

We ENTERTAIN audiences by showcasing multi-disciplinary artistic work broadening the cultural experiences of communities through partnerships with artists and arts organizations.

YOUTH ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Move/Dance! Program 

Complimentary programs are offered in six APS schools, benefiting over 1,200 middle and high school students annually. These year-round initiatives provide high-quality dance education, integrating a culturally responsive curriculum emphasizing social-emotional learning, health and wellness, the history of Black dance in America, and college/career preparation. 

Students also have the chance to participate in community performances and exhibitions. The program includes enriching field trips to expose students to Black arts and culture in the broader Atlanta community. Additionally, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) partnerships aim to connect youth with college students. 

The Art on the Yard event further enhances the experience, featuring workshops and family friendly learning opportunities.

Move/Dance continued its impact with the 1st "Step UP Intensive" summer program. This initiative aims to sustain year-round student involvement and engagement through holistic high-quality dance education. 

NextGen Artist Program: 

Free programs in 5 APS schools serve 900+ middle and high schoolers yearly. Extended artist residencies developed around explorations in visual art, film, fashion, and more. Students learn from local professionals and create original work while developing life and leadership skills. 

The NextGen Artists Youth Program extends its impact by providing free programs in five APS schools, reaching over 900 middle and high school students annually. Through extended artist residencies and workshops spanning visual art, film, fashion, and more, students engage with local professionals, creating original work while honing life and leadership skills. 

The program offers performance and exhibition opportunities to ensure students possess a well-rounded 6 portfolio and skill set for college applications or entry into the art workforce. Additionally, we organize enriching field trips to expose students to the richness of Black arts and culture in the greater Atlanta community. Our strategic partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) facilitate connections between youth and college students, enhancing their pathways to higher education and future artistic endeavors.

In 2024, NBAF presented the NextGen Artist x High Museum Student Art Exhibition!  This event expertly curated the creativity and innovation of the next generation of artists and also gave these budding talents as they display their work in a professional setting. https://nbaf.org/youth-programs/