To celebrate Black History Month, we’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of 9 Canadian arts projects and organizations that not only support Black artists, but also bolster the making of past, present, and futures of Black Art History in Canada in their missions, visions, and programming.
Where can Canadians engage with Black Art History in Canada?
To celebrate Black History Month, we’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of 9 Canadian arts projects and organizations with brief descriptions from their websites to help familiarize our Canadian art community with parts of our own country that have been doing the work. These projects and organizations not only support Black artists (and some also support artists of colour more generally), but also bolster the making of past, present, and futures of Black Art History in Canada in their missions, visions, and programming.
Afromusée
“The Afro-Canadian Museum (also known as Afromusée) honors Africa’s long-standing impact on Canadian history, creating a space where African heritage, culture, and individuals are celebrated. This unique museum is lively and multifaceted, offering cultural events, research resources, and a platform that highlights the diverse voices of Afro-descendants and their dual connection to Africa and Canada. (Source: afromusee.org)
 Image: https://afromusee.org/portfolio/traditional-african-art/
|
Image:
Black Artists’ Network in Dialogue (Toronto/Canada-wide)
BAND is “reimagining what an art institution can be.” They are a “Black-owned, Black-focused charitable organization dedicated to supporting, documenting and showcasing the artistic and cultural contributions of Black artists and cultural workers in Canada and internationally. BAND Gallery is dedicated to developing emerging Black artists and cultural workers by providing hands-on experience, presentation opportunities and an accessible venue to showcase their work to the general public.” (Source: bandgallery.com)
 Image: https://www.bandgallery.com/current-exhibitions-and-events/a-kind-of-order-timothy-yanick-hunter-aaron-jones-thato-toeba-and-hazelle-palmer
|
Image: The Black Arts Centre (Surrey, British Columbia)
“The Black Arts Centre is an artist-run centre, cultural hub and community space operated in Surrey, BC. They host exhibitions, performances, events, workshops and other diverse programming that connect to the varied experiences of our community. The BAC is a response to their community’s need for a Black-friendly art and gathering space that is culturally relevant, accessible and youth-centered. The BAC will not only conceptualize art in an everyday sense, but will become a place that fosters mutual, transformational relationships that connect our community to artistic and cultural Black experiences year-round.” (Source: theblackartscentre.ca)
 |
Images: https://theblackartscentre.ca/
Centre culturel afro canadien de Montréal / Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal (CCAM) (Montreal)
The CCAM’s mission is to “reserve and promote the cultural and artistic heritage of Black communities through innovation and intercultural exchange,” with their vision being “to be an inclusive cultural home and a leading destination for Black communities, as well as a place for sharing with cultures from around the world.” Their objectives are “to serve as an innovation hub for Black culture and art, generating a new market and contributing to the expansion of the creative economy of Quebec and Canada, Position the city of Montreal as the Canadian destination of choice for Canadian and international artists and tourists for Afro art and culture,” and many more. (Source: ccamontreal.ca)
 Image: https://www.zeffy.com/fr-CA/ticketing/triomphe |
Nia Centre for the Arts (Toronto)
Nia Centre – “Nia” meaning “purpose” in Swahili – is situated at 524 Oakwood Ave, Toronto as “Canada’s first professional Black arts centre.” “The Nia Centre is a space built with purpose and dedicated to Black artists and young creatives. Designed to serve a wide array of multi and interdisciplinary arts, the Centre provides the community with a multi-purpose performance theatre, event space, a digital media lab, exhibition space and a dedicated youth hub.” Nia Centre provides opportunities for and showcases the work of Afro-diasporic artists to “gain new skills, hone their artistic practices, push their creative limits” and more. (Source: niacentre.org)
Image: 
The Wedge Collection (Toronto)
“The Wedge Collection was established in 1997 in Toronto by Dr. Kenneth Montague. It is one of Canada’s largest, privately owned contemporary art collections focusing on exploring African diasporic culture and contemporary Black life. Originally conceived as The Wedge Gallery, this was both a private and public experience, with the original gallery literally wedged inside the narrow hallways of Montague’s home. Today, the Wedge Collection, comprises over 400 original works by artists from Canada, the United States and throughout the Diaspora. It also houses an extensive catalogue of resource materials, including books, art journals, newspapers, magazines, and exhibition and artist documentation and lends works to international traveling exhibitions.” (Source: thewedgecollection.org)
Image:
Wedge Curatorial Projects (Toronto)
“Wedge Curatorial Projects (WCP) is a non-profit organization with a focus on Black artistic practices, organizing exhibitions and lectures that explore Diasporic narratives, identity, and issues around representation, and exhibiting local and international artists.” Directly derived from Dr. Kenneth Montague’s “The Wedge Collection,” Montague expanded into creating an organization embodying the same purpose. “Wedge Curatorial Projects quickly became a well-respected initiative that 'wedged' Black artists into a mainstream market and filled a gap in Toronto’s art community. WCP has worked with local and international organizations to host unique and compelling programming of various kinds for over 25 years." (Source: wedgecuratorialprojects.org)
|
|
Image:
The Gift Shop (Mississauga/Toronto/Ottawa)
“Curated by Imani Dominique, ‘The Gift Shop’ is an immersive art gallery and business incubator for artists. Artists are given space to showcase their art, develop as entrepreneurs, and build community. Through engaging in professional development workshops and creative activations hosted in the space, this program also provides emerging and mid-career artists with an opportunity to incubate their businesses and develop their entrepreneurial skills. The Gift Shop is a space for artists to develop their business skills, build community, and celebrate their craft.” (Source: shopthegiftshop.ca)
|
|
Images: https://shopthegiftshop.ca/
Little Jamaica Heritage Zine Project (Toronto)
The Little Jamaica Heritage Zine Project was born out of the Reclaim Rebuild Eg West (RREW) initiative: “a Toronto-based, youth-led advocacy group dedicated to preserving the vibrant cultural heritage of Little Jamaica.” “This series of zines is an intergenerational project that educates individuals on the rich history of Little Jamaica, recognizing historical events, cultural landmarks, local heroes, and social justice efforts in the community.” (Source: reclaimrebuildegwest.com)
Image: https://www.reclaimrebuildegwest.com/little-jamaica-heritage-zine-project/
|
|
|
Many more exist beyond this list, especially since opportunities and communities are always growing and changing! What is your favourite part of Black Art History in Canada, or something you wish more people knew about? A favourite artist? Local incubator or gallery? A fascinating fact? Let us know in the comments and let’s broaden the knowledge of Black Art History in Canada. Happy Black History Month from Gwartzman’s!
