Black History Month

Join us as we celebrate Black excellence in the arts! 

Black History Month is an annual observance that honors the rich cultural heritage, significant contributions, and enduring resilience of Black communities. The theme of Black History Month this year is "African Americans and Labor," highlighting the profound impact of Black individuals in various forms of work—free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary—and how these efforts have shaped societies.

The Art Gallery of Alberta is proud to participate in this month-long celebration by showcasing exhibitions and events that honor the legacy and achievements of Black artists and communities. We invite you to join us in recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Black artists to our shared cultural landscape.

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. 

Learn more

5 Artists 1 Love

Opening February 21

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.

Learn more

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.

Register for February 6 Film Screening

Register for February 14 Cinema for Seniors

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, Charlene Johnson and Dara Ojo.  

Register here

Panel Discussion | Black Representation in the Arts

February 27, 4:45-6:30pm

Featuring Renée Williams (Executive Director, Edmonton Arts Council) as moderator and local Black artists Aliya Logun and Shaiheim Small, the panel will discuss the topic of representation in the arts. The night begins with a short performance and end with a Q&A session to learn even more about these amazing artists.

Register Here

This talk is co-presented with CARFAC Alberta.

Girl in a jacket

Seniors' Tour | Black History Month

February 28, 2-3pm (sold out)

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.