ATLANTA, May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- From July 20 thru 29, the world is set to descend upon Atlanta for the 19th annual National Black Arts Festival (NBAF). The 10-day summer festival -- packed with music, theatre, visual arts, dance, spoken word, film and family events -- offers something for everyone without regard to race, age or ethnicity.
This year NBAF asks the question "Who are you?" as it spotlights DNA technology and encourages festival-goers to trace ancestry to their African origins. "Over the last few years researching your ancestry using DNA technology has become very popular. While we have hosted workshops and classes on the topic of genealogy in the past, this is our first foray into providing a platform for DNA testing to take place," states NBAF Executive Producer, Stephanie Hughley. "Open dialogue and focus on DNA is a great point of intersection for all people. It crosses all races, cultures and ages and is universal. We hope this project will motivate people to want to discover and embrace their cultural past and spark discussion on the importance of knowing where we came from and how it influences where we are going."
The topic of DNA was first introduced to NBAF as a vehicle for artistic expression by visual artist, Radcliffe Bailey. The NBAF has commissioned Bailey and two other extraordinary performers -- choreographer Fatima Robinson and musician/singer Marc Anthony Thompson -- to create a mixed-media homage to their African roots. Bailey's work has always included elements of ancestral connection through the use of found objects, photos and images. Using results from DNA technology provided by AfricanAncestry.com, the trio found common ancestry in Sierra Leone and recently traveled to Senegal to take a journey that would prove life changing. The results of their soul-searching odyssey, "In the Reternal," will open at Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries and Solomon Projects on June 21 and June 22. Both shows run through July 29.
The DNA spotlight also extends to a landmark presentation certain to spark dialogue. NBAF and AfricanAncestry.com will team up to test the DNA of an unprecedented number of people during this Festival, beginning with a select group of notable Atlanta politicians, civil rights leaders, clergy, entertainers, entrepreneurs and sports figures. The results will be revealed in July.
NBAF continues pre-Festival events on July 19 with embrace: the fine art fair of the national black arts festival and the Children's Education Village. embrace is focused on the serious collector and features rare works from the nation's top art galleries. Original artworks from such artists as Romare Bearden, Robert S. Duncanson, Hale Woodruff, Benny Andrews, Carrie Mae Weems and Amalia Amaki, will be available for collectors to purchase. embrace opens at 7:30 pm, at Mason Murer Fine Art (199 Armour Drive, Atlanta, GA).
The NBAF Gala: "A Gathering of Colors" will take place July 21, 7 pm at the High Museum in midtown Atlanta.
About NBAF
The National Black Arts Festival is one of the premier national and international celebrations of the art, music and culture of people of African descent. The mission of the NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of Africa and the African Diaspora, and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression.
Major funding for this organization is provided by the Fulton County Commission under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council. Additional major support is provided by The Coca-Cola Company, The Kendeda Fund, UPS Foundation, The Nonprofit Finance Fund/Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, The Exemplar Program of Americans for the Arts with the LarsonAllen Public Service Group funded by the Ford Foundation, Georgia Black United Fund, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Wachovia, Georgia-Pacific, The Atlanta Journal- Constitution, Radio-One Atlanta, The Atlanta Convention and Visitor's Bureau, DELTA, Georgia Council for the Arts, NEA, IMAGES USA, and the Woodruff Arts Center: Alliance Theatre, Young Audiences, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art, 14th Street Playhouse.
National Black Arts Festival
