Our MissionThe Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF), a Philadelphia based community event, focuses on the visibility and viability of black women artists of all genres and media without regard for: age, gender expression, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation or size. Under the fiscal sponsorship of Resources for Human Development, BWAF operates as a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.Our HistoryBWAF was founded and produced in March 2003 by "renaissance negresse" Cassendre Xavier aka Amethyste Rah. A musician, writer, actress, visual artist and award-winning community cultural arts organizer who coined the term "renaissance negresse" in 2002, Xavier “…grew up with little support and [role] models of Black women making a good living from their art only.†In response to this lack of visibility Xavier produced a 3-day event, which showcased the work of black women artists in: performance, visual arts, literary arts, and film.As from the beginning, all BWAF events remain open to all respectful members to attend. All communities and its members are welcome to join our efforts as volunteers and co-organizers.Cellist/composer/vocalist Monica McIntyre joined BWAF as co-organizer in 2004 and in 2007 took the title of Creative Director.Now in its 6th year BWAF produces an annual 4-day festival showcasing: Music/Live Performance, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Film, Workshops, Vendors, and Dance/Theater. BWAF is committed to being a platform that values black women and their work; emphasizing unique, under-represented art forms, showcasing new and emerging artists while promoting the necessity of health and well-being.With its ever-growing staff of organizers, volunteers, and increasing partnerships with various institutions, groups, and individuals, BWAF is poised to become a world-renowned community cultural arts organization.BWAF’s Current Vision:1. To create a strong festival presence in Philadelphia and its surrounding regions
2. To increase awareness and visibility of the BWAF and individual black women artists through local and regional marketing campaigns
3. To become a self-sustaining organization which produces a large annual festival and have the necessary resources to maintain our vision, mission, and integrity
4. To inspire all who attend and participate in our yearly festival as well as educate our communities through the arts
5. To develop venues for black women to present and participate in performances, visual arts exhibitions, artisan marketplaces, workshops, and health initiativesFounder's vision for BWAF 2010 & Beyond:1) To continue grow BWAF Philly's organization and Festival in a slow and steady pace, building a strong infrastructure of non-profit staff members, interns, and volunteers2) To invite, thru BWAF Philly as headquarters, a global network of educational institutions, organizations, groups, and individual event promoters who will produce BWAFs in their own communities.3) To remain an inspiration to burgeoning and accomplished black female artists and creative people of all kinds through our example as working artists and community organizers.The Festival features music, theatre, dance, crafts, visual art exhibits, screenings of films & videos, lectures & workshops, and presentations for children and community elders.
BWAF Philly events and projects have always been open to all respectful persons to attend and participate.After 4 years of operating as a private commercial enterprise, in 2007, the Black Women’s Arts Festival became a member of the New Beginnings Non-Profit Incubator Program of Resources for Human Development, a large 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Through this fiscal sponsorship, BWAF Philly may receive tax-deductible, charitable donations. To make a donation please send a check or money order payable to: BWAF Philly-RHD, 3721 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19129-1743. For more info, call (215) 951-0330, ext. 2108 or visit our website at www.BWAFphilly.org
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