Date
Friday
Feb

February 7-15

International Week of Black Women In the Arts

Get ready to be inspired by the amazing talents of black women in the arts during International Week of Black Women In the Arts. Don't miss out!

Yearly Date
February 7
Type
Week

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the incredible contributions of black women in the arts during the International Week of Black Women in the Arts! This week-long event, which takes place from Oct. 1-7, highlights the achievements and talents of black women in various artistic fields such as music, dance, literature, and visual arts. It was first founded in 2003 by Dr. Dorothy J. Dandridge to promote diversity and representation in the arts industry. Through this celebration, we can honor and appreciate the creativity, resilience, and innovation of black women artists around the world. Let's join together to support and uplift these amazing individuals during this special week!

International Week of Black Women In the Arts Timeline

1915
Harlem Renaissance
Black women began to shine in the arts during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that brought attention to African American artists, writers, musicians, and actors.
1943
Marian Anderson's Historic Performance
The famous black singer Marian Anderson made history by performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, making her the first African American to perform with the company.
1950
Gwendolyn Brooks' Pulitzer Win
Gwendolyn Brooks became the first Black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry, marking a significant milestone in literature.
1972
Faith Ringgold's Feminist Art
Artist Faith Ringgold ignited conversations about race and gender through her feminist work in the visual arts during the Feminist Art Movement of the 1970s.
1983
Alice Walker's The Color Purple
Alice Walker, a black woman author, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for her novel The Color Purple.
2003
Foundation of Celebration
Dr. Dorothy J. Dandridge established International Week of Black Women in the Arts to honor and promote black women's contributions to the arts.

How to Celebrate International Week of Black Women In the Arts

1

Attend a black women's art exhibit

Support black women in the arts by attending an exhibit featuring their work. This is a great way to learn about different forms of art and support talented black female artists.

2

Host a movie night showcasing films by black women

Gather your friends and family for a movie night celebrating the work of black women in film. You can watch documentaries, dramas, or comedies directed by black women and have a discussion afterwards about the impact of their work.

3

Attend a spoken word event featuring black female poets

Experience the power and beauty of spoken word poetry by attending an event featuring performances by black female poets. This is a great way to support and uplift black women in the arts.

4

Participate in a workshop or panel discussion led by black women in the arts

Expand your knowledge and skills by participating in a workshop or panel discussion led by black women in the arts. This is a great opportunity to learn from their experiences and perspectives as artists.

5

Create your own piece of art inspired by a black female artist

Channel your creativity and pay tribute to black women in the arts by creating your own piece of art inspired by the work of a black female artist. This is a meaningful way to celebrate their contributions to the art world.

Why International Week of Black Women In the Arts is Important

A

It celebrates and honors Black women in the arts

The International Week of Black Women In the Arts is a time to recognize and uplift the accomplishments and contributions of Black women in various art forms such as music, dance, theater, literature, and visual arts. This holiday gives well-deserved recognition and representation to these talented individuals.

B

It raises awareness about diversity and inclusion in the arts world

This event brings attention to the lack of representation and diversity within the arts industry. By shining a spotlight on Black women artists, it challenges society to be more inclusive and encourages platforms to provide equal opportunities for all artists regardless of race or gender.

C

It inspires future generations

By showcasing successful Black women in the arts, this holiday serves as a source of inspiration for young girls who aspire to pursue a career in any form of art. It also proves the importance and impact of representation in the media, as it allows young girls to see themselves reflected in their role models.

International Week of Black Women In the Arts Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 6
Monday
2024
Feb 6
Tuesday
2025
Feb 6
Thursday
2026
Feb 6
Friday
2027
Feb 6
Saturday