THE WHO
About AFROART
AFROART is a creative hub that seeks to uplift the black community through a series of interactive events. By providing a space for black creatives to showcase their talent, AFROART brings “underground” or the underrepresented artists to the forefront, creating cross pollination of established, emerging artists and those that exist at these varying intersections together.
The founding purpose of AFROART is to provide a space for art—the creating and/or enjoyment of it—to be more accessible.
AFROART works collaboratively with local black owned businesses, entrepreneurs, artisans and community members to shine a light on the talent and ingenuity that exists here.
The
History
Early Beginnings
AFROART has its origins in 2016, spear headed by Kelli Clark, a then college student at CMU and native of Pittsburgh, who recognized the dispersed nature of the black community in Pittsburgh that was not only present for college students but for black people living in the city,
“In predominantly and historically black neighborhoods like Homewood, Garfield, and Larimer, violence is predominant due to low incomes, lack of property education, and the effort to truly uplift these neighborhoods being minimal.
Many home-grown businesses in the Wilksburgh, East Liberty and Homewood areas have been evicted, and replaced by “popular” chains.
Our intent is to create a community gathering of people supportive of, but not necessarily a member of the African diaspora in the Pittsburgh area. Through festivals that go beyond what we know and are used to, but are geared towards the celebration of African culture as a whole. Through music, dance and local artists, we hope to create space for invention and a good networking opportunity between college-age students in the vicinity of Pittsburgh’s residents.”
– from 2016 AfroArt debut
In 2016, AFROART launched a festival that took place at Carnegie Mellon University's auditorium, where they hosted a series of spoken word poets, art vendors, and music performances. You can view it here.