2015 Black Art Festival :Ignite the Community

Jun 30, 2015 | News

Majyck Radio-Kalamazoo, MI- In 1986, three community members, Gail Sydnor, Lois Jackson and James C. Palmore agreed that something sustainable was needed to maintain community engagement after the first Black Arts Festival held the same year in August.  For the years to come, the Black Arts Festival is a way to keep African American art and culture in the forefront year round. Their brainstorming actions resulting in the founding of the BACC (Black Arts & Cultural Center).

Historically located at Bronson Park and recent years, occupying Arcadia Festival Site in downtown Kalamazoo, the 29th annual Black Arts Festival will operate out of LaCrone Park, located in the heart of Kalamazoo. This years theme, Ignite the Community has themes for programs throughout the week.
There will be events everyday for everyone to enjoy and share July 13-19, 2015.

See list of scheduled events:

Monday July 13th
Theme: Inspiring Education (Through the Arts)
Location: Epic Center Theater and Atrium
South Kalamazoo Mall, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Details: Arts workshops, including poetry, dance, vocal performance, visual art and theater, instrument testing and demonstrations for the whole family. $5 suggested donation, FREE for BACC members.

Tuesday July 14th
Theme: Going Back in Time
Location: Douglass Community Association
1000 W Paterson St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Time: 11am-8pm
Details: The Black history of Kalamazoo, Michigan on display. All artifacts and antiques from local artist, Mr. Murphy Darden’s personal collection. $5/person, $2 for students & seniors, $10 for families of 3 or more, FREE for BACC members.

Wednesday July 15th
Theme: Next Generation Empowerment (Youth Health Day)
Location: Bible Baptist Church
1700 N Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Time: 11am-2pm
Details: Youth Day with a focus on health will include community partners who focus on health and youth development, cooking demos, exercise demos, youth talent showcase, basketball tournaments, arts & crafts activities and more. FREE for youth!

Thursday July 16th
Theme: Increasing Economic Empowerment
Location: Epic Center Theater and Atrium
South Kalamazoo Mall, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Time: 5:30pm-9pm
Details: Film screening of “Resurrecting Black Wall Street” by Dr. Boyce Watkins followed by networking. Local businesses may purchase information tables for $25. Business cards will be drawn for a 90 second pitch to be made by a local business at the event. FREE to the community!

Friday July 17th
Theme: Transcending Talent (Arts Exhibition & Showcase)
Location: Epic Center Theater and Atrium
South Kalamazoo Mall, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Time: 6pm-7:45pm
Details: Live art, poetry and music followed by the debut of BACC’s Face Off Theatre Company and the premiere of “Been Loving You-An Exploration in Black Love Through August Wilson”. $10 admission fee, FREE for BACC members.

Saturday July 18th
Theme: Engaging & Empowering Weekend
Location: La Crone Park 535 W. Paterson St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Time: 11am-8pm
Details: Vendors, food, entertainment, activities, culture and fun for the whole family. FREE to the community!

Saturday July 18th
Summer Black Party
Theme: Engaging & Empowering Weekend
Location: Epic Center Theater and Atrium
South Kalamazoo Mall, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Time: 9pm-1am
Details: Live music by DJ Chuck and DJ Conscious, food, drinks, red carpet photos by Steele Candy Photography, Age 21+, $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $10 in advance for groups of 10.

Sunday July 19th
Theme: Engaging & Empowering Weekend
Location: La Crone Park 535 W. Paterson St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Time: 11am-8pm
Details: Vendors, food, entertainment, activities, culture and fun for the whole family. FREE to the community!