Culture & Identity – AOTAD

Culture & Identity

Art of the African Diaspora

Richmond Art Center

Ongoing – March 22

Wednesdays – Saturdays

10am – 4pm

SF Art Week and FOG Design+Art are stirring, soul-satisfying celebrations. However, if you only have room for one extraordinary event this early in the year, push all other obligations out of the way and make sure to attend “Art of the African Diaspora” (AOTAD), where, this year, over 150 artists showcase will their work at Richmond Art Center (RAC), as well as in open studios and satellite exhibitions at multiple venues around the Bay Area.

Notable Events

Artistic Achievement Awardee Talk: January 25, 11am – 12:30pm

Opening Reception: January 25, 2025, 1 – 3pm

Closing Reception: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 2pm-4pm

Off-Site Events

Open Studios: Mar 1-2, Mar 8-9, Mar 15-16, 2025

Satellite Exhibitions: Throughout January, February, March and April

Stellar History

“Art Of The African Diaspora: is the longest running event of its kind in the Bay Area. It originated from a salon for African American artists known as “Colors of Black” that was organized in 1989 by artist and UCB Art Professor, Marie Johnson Calloway.

In 1996, this morphed into the exhibition “The Art of Living Black” which was established at Richmond Art Center by artists Jan Hart-Schuyers and Rae Louise Hayward. From its outset, “The Art of Living Black” presented the work of emerging and established African American artists. The artists gained introductions to new audiences, and access to build a creative community of artists and art lovers. Over the next twenty-five years the exhibition ensured the increased visibility for African American artists in the Bay Area. After the loss of both founders, the organizing efforts were carried on by artists, family members, RAC, and, eventually, a Steering Committee comprised of participating artists.

In 2019, the Committee became aware of the necessity to incorporate a broader vision of the African Diaspora and consequently renamed the organization and the annual exhibition “Art Of The African Diaspora.” Now in its 28th year, it supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community.