$600,000 Awarded Annually
The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) has spent over 36 years supporting Black artistry by awarding over $600,000 annually through public art programs, in-school youth arts education, artistic grants, and professional development training. According to the website, the Atlanta-based organization was recognized as the oldest multidisciplinary arts organization in the United States focused exclusively on the art and artists of African descent. In 2008, the United States Congress recognized NBAF for its importance to the “cultural fabric of greater Atlanta and all of America.”
Founded in 1987 by the Fulton County Arts Council under the guidance of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in Atlanta, the organization’s mission to support the art and artists of African descent continues as they recently hosted NBAF’s Celebration Under the Stars on October 19, 2024 in Atlanta.
“We are here to support Black art and Black artists, and our partnership with the National Black Arts Festival that’s what it’s all about,” said South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau.
NBAF’s Celebration Under the Stars was an upscale garden art party celebrating the organization’s accomplishments over the year while highlighting and honoring the best in today’s Black art. The goal of the event was to raise funds to ensure NBAF can continue being a resource for Black artists and their art.
“We support all artists and arts organizations that live within Fulton County…so being a part of the funding so that artists can do what they’re supposed to do and really share and expose the community and involve the community, I’m just proud to be a part of that,” said Fulton County Arts and Culture Director David Manuel.
It was a night of stars with live performances from Marsha Ambrosius, Keke Wyatt, and Tweet, but the real stars of the show were the local artists. The event featured the NBAF Fine Art Print Fair which had exclusive prints from celebrated African American artists, including works from the NBAF archives. NBAF and Amazon also partnered so creative entrepreneurs could sell their work in the Artisan Market powered by Amazon during the event.
Harpist Angelica Hairston was announced as the $10,000 2024 NBAF Horizon Award Winner In Music. Past NBAF honorees were also in attendance. NBAF Fashion Forward Student Design Competition 2020 Winner Zayden Skipper was invited to show off his fashion designs.
Skipper is a Chicago native and graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) where he received the school’s highest degree, a master’s in fashion design. It was opportunities like NBAF’s student competition that allowed Skipper to find his confidence as a Black fashion designer.
“The National Black Arts Festival has been one of the most pivotal turning points in my career,” said Skipper. “The program has really benefited and helped a lot of students.”
Skipper continues to find success in his career as he was a contestant on BRAVO TV’s Project Runway.
“Anything is possible if you have faith,” said Skipper.
Hearing from the Stars
A Celebration Under the Stars had special appearances by actress Terri J. Vaughn, Destiny’s Child original member LaTavia Roberson, artist Headkrack, and more.
Roberson has been in the industry since a young child and she explains why it’s important for organizations like NBAF to exist and host events such as the Celebration Under the Stars.
“I think events like this, especially supporting Black artists, is very important because sometimes we don’t get the support we’re supposed to…we’re so talented in so many different aspects…and so just to know there are things like this that we can come together somewhere so beautiful celebrating underneath the stars with beautiful talent and wonderful voices and beautiful, strong Black women, I think that it’s just absolutely amazing,” said Roberson.
Vaughn who is commonly known for her role as Lovita Alizay Jenkins-Robinson on The Steve Harvey Show said it’s about supporting our children in what they want to do when it comes to the arts.
“We have to listen to our kids. When they have passions and dreams and things that they want to do that are in the arts, we have to support them. We have to find those spaces where they can excel in what it is they are passionate about,” said Vaughn.
Artist and DJ Headkrack give artists advice on how to pursue their dreams.
“It takes you believing in yourself and being brave enough to jump out there and go for it because sometimes we keep everything so close to the chest…just throw it out there. Even if five people like it, that’s five more people that didn’t know about you,” said Headkrack.
To watch Carvd N Stone’s NBAF’s Celebration Under the Stars interviews, click here.