Art of the African Diaspora Fine Art

Celebrating the Bay Area Black Artists Exhibition

Art Of The African Diaspora 2027

Exhibition at Richmond Art Center: January 20, 2027 – March 20, 2027

Join us for AOTAD 30th celebration of Art of the African Diaspora at Richmond Art Center in 2027! Come celebrate the artists, learn about their journeys, and enjoy the rich legacy of this long-standing exhibition.

Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA

Registration Opens August 15th, 2026! Deadline to register : October 20th 2026

LINK on Richmond Art Center website Now Open: https://richmondartcenter.org/announcements/aotad2027-artistregistration/

Dates of Exhibition at RAC: January 20, 2027 - March 20, 2027
Artistic Achievement Awardee Talk: Saturday, January 23, 2027, 11am-12:30pm
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 23, 2027, 1pm-3pm
Guest Speaker Talk: Saturday, February 20, 2027, 12pm-1:30pm
Artist Vending Event: Saturday, March 13, 2027, 11am-3pm
Closing RAC Reception: Saturday, March 20, 2027, 2pm-4pm
Other Events, such as Satellite Exhibitions and Artist talks: TBD

**In Person Info Session, Sat. Oct. 3rd 11-12 at the RAC *Recording of Zoom: CLICK HERE**

Art Of The African Diaspora is a non-juried group exhibition featuring artwork by artists of African descent. The showcase exhibition is held at Richmond Art Center and is accompanied by self-guided open studio tours and satellite exhibitions throughout the Bay Area.

Program Questions: Art of the African Diaspora Steering Committee, [email protected]

Registration Questions: Richmond Art Center, [email protected]

POSTER CONTEST

2026 ONLINE GALLERY : CLICK HERE

Interested in showcasing your business in our 2027 Catalog?

C LICK HERE / Questions: [email protected]

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Thank you for your New & Continued support in our artistic community

CLICK HERE

to make a Donation to The Art Of The African Diaspora *

* The Steering Committee directs 100% of your donation towards producing the AOTAD ANNUAL PROGRAM

ABOUT THE EVENT

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 professor Marie Johnson Calloway.

In 1996 artists Jan Hart-Schuyers and Rae Louise Hayward established the exhibition The Art of Living Black at Richmond Art Center. Many of the artists from Colors of Black participated in the inaugural exhibition, which 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 thirty years the exhibition ensured the increased visibility for African American artists in the Bay Area that Hart-Schuyers and Hayward conceptualized. After the loss of both founders, their organizing efforts were carried on for many years by artists, family members, and RAC.

The next stage of the events development happened in 2018, when a Steering Committee comprised of participating artists, presented the exhibition. In 2019, the Committee became aware of the necessity to incorporate a broader vision of the African Diaspora and consequently renamed the organization Art Of The African Diaspora.

Art Of The African Diaspora in partnership with Richmond Art Center, supports artists of African descent in the Bay Area through representation, professional development, and building a creative community. Thank you for your support