The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) has celebrated and uplifted Black artists and the many art forms they have produced for more than three decades.
The once one-week festival, which is now an organization offering year-round programming, was launched by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners in the late 1980s.
“It has evolved as an organization that really wants to not only highlight those who have been paving the way and laying the foundation — but also uplifting the emerging talent that is to come,” said NBAF Executive Director Stephanie Owens.
On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Owens and NBAF Artistic Director Oronike Odeleye talked with show host Rose Scott about NBAF’s journey of the past 35 years, championing equity through art and NBAF’s upcoming inaugural Artists Showcase at its 35th-anniversary event.
During the conversation, NBAF leaders also talked about the importance of youth being exposed to art and plans to expand and rebuild the organization’s yearly festival.
