Atlanta Black Arts Movement
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Introduction
The Black Arts Movement (BAM) was an art movement that was created in the 1960’s and 1970’s that tackled many socio-economic topics through art mediums such as murals, photography, paintings, installations, etc. According to Larry Neal, the Black Arts Movement was “the aesthetic and spiritual sister of the Black Power concept. As such, it envisions an art that speaks directly to the needs and aspirations of Black America.” The Black Arts Movement served as a vehicle to express Black liberation and self-determination. The Atlanta Black Arts Movement was a regional chapter of the organization located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Background
The Black Arts Movement was founded by the African-American author and poet, Amiri Baraka. The movement emerged during the Black Power Movement during the late 1960s. Following the assassination of political/social leader Malcolm X, the Black Power Movement was divided into two parties: revolutionary nationalists and cultural nationalists. The cultural nationalists evolved into a population of black artists aiming to depict and portray black experiences, history, and culture throughout visual art, music, writing, and acting.
History
The Atlanta University Art Annuals are responsible for the beginnings of the exhibition and preservation of black art within the city of Atlanta, Georgia. This event, chartered by black artist, Hale Woodruff, spanned from 1942 to 1969. The Neighborhood Arts Center, created in 1975, is also credited for supporting the Atlanta Black Arts. NAC, boasting the mantra, “Art for people’s sake”, was made possible by mayor Maynard Jackson. Jackson, Morehouse graduate and Atlanta’s first black mayor, served three terms spanning from 1973 to 1994. Seeing the value and importance of art during his time at Morehouse and throughout his general upbringing in an artistically inclined family, Maynard brought about special government task forces to promote black art in Atlanta, such as the creation of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs (BCA) to diversify the expenditure of culture funds in the city. The BCA provided public funding that allowed for the creation of NAC which hosted space for several practicing black artists and many events oriented in the black arts.
Key Figures
Actor Samuel L. Jackson Actor Bill Nunn Writer Toni Cade Bambara Musician Odeja Penn Actress Georgia Allen Poet/Activist Ebon Dooley Poet/Activist Alice Lovelace Photographer Jim Alexander Musician Joe Jennings Art Historian Michael D. Harris Artist/Curator Tina Davis Tom Jones, founder of Jomandi Productions Theatre Company
Legacy
Atlanta’s legacy of the Atlanta Black Arts Movement is survived by several festivals, museums, and exhibits across the city, such as the Atlanta Jazz Festival, the Woodruff Arts Center, the Trap Museum, and 411 Dance. The city is perpetually contributing to the arts through its massive film and music industry.
References[edit]
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