This Saturday, April 30, the National Gallery of Art welcomes you to join the Afro-Atlantic Histories Festival, a special day-long event highlighting the arts and culture of the African Diaspora.
This John Wilmerding Community Celebration will be offered in conjunction with the new Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibition, an enlightening and in-depth look at the historical experiences and cultural formations of Black and African people since the 17th century. If you haven’t yet experienced it, this weekend is a perfect time to go, when there will be activities for all ages to enjoy along with the collection of art!
Highlights of the festival include:
- Jamaican cooking demonstrations and free samples from Executive Chef Christopher Curtis (12pm, 1pm, and 2pm — registration required)
- Opportunities to shop from local makers All Very Goods, Bailiwick Clothing, Rayhart Art, and Andy Factory Sauces
- The first live performance of visionary artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons’s When We Gather — a procession from the East Garden Court to the steps of the museum’s National Mall entrance (1pm)
- Other musical performances from Batala Washington, Sticks + Bars Youth Marimba Ensemble, and East of the River Steelband
The Festival will take place in various locations of the museum’s West Building. Catch musical performances at the National Mall entrance and the West Garden Court. Food Demos will be held in the Cascade Café, and you can find creator pop-ups and other festivities in the East Garden Court. View more details and the full schedule of the day’s activities here.
Afro-Atlantic Histories Festival
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, April 30, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
