Join us as we celebrate Black excellence in the arts!
Through exhibitions and programming, we're pleased to celebrate the impact of Black artists. Explore below:
Ekow Nimako: Building Black Civilizations - Journey of 2,000 Ships
Combining architecture, historical accounts and fantastical possibilities, Nimako transcends the geometric form of LEGO® to recreate the epic voyage of Abu Bakr II. In doing so, he presents an uninterrupted and unco-opted narrative of Black civilizations and imagines liberated futures.
5 Artists 1 Love
Now celebrating its 19th year, 5 Artists 1 Love once again showcases five African-Canadian artists, highlighting their unique style and vision arising from their global and local experience.
Any Other Way | The Jackie Shane Story
February 6 and February 14
Directed by Michael Mabbott and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, this film highlights the life and career of Jackie Shane, a Black trans soul singer, who rose to fame in the local Toronto music scene in the 1960s, helping to shape that era’s R & B sound. Her success reached its peak with the release of Any Other Way in 1967 and cemented her reputation as a queer icon in Canada. In the early 1970s, Shane suddenly vanished from the public scene only to reemerge in the 2010s in a series of CBC radio interviews.
This screening is free; please register to secure your seat in our theatre!
We're pleased to show this important film for both a film screening on February 6 and Cinema for Seniors on February 14.
All Day Sunday | Future Building
February 9, 12-4pm
In this special edition of All Day Sunday, join us in welcoming local brick artist Sam Malmberg who will lead a LEGO workshop in connection to Ekow Nimako's exhibition Building Black Civilization: A Journey of 2,000 Ships - an imagining of the mysterious sea voyage of Mansa Abu Bakr II, a 14th-century explorer who abdicated his throne to lead 2,000 ships on an expedition.
Curator's Tour | 5 Artists 1 Love with Darren Jordan
February 22, 2-4pm
Join us for a curator’s tour of 5 Artists 1 Love, an annual exhibition celebrating Black creativity in our community. Listen as curator Darren Jordan shares his insights about the depth and vibrancy of Edmonton’s African Canadian creative communities and learn more about the artists on display. In its 19th year, this year’s exhibition includes artwork by Favour Olayinka Abimbola, Jabari Broodhagen, Jamelle Davis, Cherlene Johnson and Dara Ojo.
Seniors' Tour | Black History Month
February 28, 2-3pm
Celebrate the creativity of featured Black artists during this month’s Seniors’ Tour as part of our Black History Month programming. We will make our way through current exhibitions including Ekow Nimako: Building Black Civilizations – Journey of 2,000 Ships and 5 Artists 1 Love, an annual showcase of the talent and diversity of the African diaspora in our city.
This tour is for self-identified seniors and is free with admission. Capacity for the event is 30 so reserve your tickets early.