Our Mission
The 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. BWAF has been a 501 (c) (3) organization since 2007.
Our Herstory
The Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF) was founded and produced in March 2003 by Founder and Former Director Cassendre Xavier. Xavier, a multi-media artist who coined the term "renaissance negresse" in 2002, “…grew up with little support and [role] models of professional Black women artists.” In response to this lack of visibility Xavier produced a 3-day event at The Rotunda, which showcased the work of black women artists in: performance, visual arts, literary arts, and film.
Now in its 6th year BWAF has become a non-profit which produces a once-yearly 4-day festival showcasing: Visual Arts & Photography, Film, Theatre Arts, Dance, Music, Literary Arts, Workshops, and Vendors. 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. Led by Creative Director Monica McIntyre, and with a growing team of organizers (including Cassendre Xavier and Maleka Diggs), interns, and volunteers, BWAF is poised to become a world-renowned arts festival.
Our 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 initiatives
Updated 7/03/09
For press information email:
BWAFphilly(at)yahoo.com
Welcome to the official website of the
6th Annual Black Women's Arts Festival!
We are very excited about this year's event, which will be happening at 9 confirmed venues, and counting, including: The Rotunda, Green Line Cafe, Big Blue Marble Books, The Arts Garage, Circle of Hope, Sanctuary, Kaffa Crossing, Metropolitan Bakery and Vivant Art Collection!
Click on 2009 for the schedule so far!
