Celebrating Black Art in San Francisco

The San Francisco Bay Area is gearing up for a significant cultural event this fall, with the inaugural “Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week” scheduled from October 1 to October 6. Spearheaded by the executive director of the Museum of the African Diaspora, the initiative aims to honor and celebrate the vibrant Black art scene in the region. The director, a native San Franciscan, emphasizes the historical importance of the Black community in shaping the city’s artistic and cultural identity. The week-long celebration will not only spotlight San Francisco but also extend to Oakland, recognizing its pivotal role as a hub for Black arts and culture. The director expressed her vision of creating a dynamic atmosphere that showcases the rich contributions of Black artists and cultural figures in the Bay Area. This initiative is particularly timely, coinciding with the Museum’s annual fundraiser, the Afropolitan Ball, which takes place on October 5. In addition to the festivities, the San Francisco Arts Commission is set to unveil a long-awaited public sculpture honoring poet Maya Angelou, created by Berkeley-based artist Lava Thomas. This unveiling, which follows a controversial rejection by city officials, is expected to further enhance the week’s significance and highlight the ongoing dialogue around representation in public art. Overall, Black Art Week promises to be a landmark event, fostering community engagement and celebrating the artistic legacy of the Black community in the Bay Area.