National Center of Afro-American Artists facts for kids
| Predecessor | Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1968 |
| Founder | Elma Lewis |
| Founded at | Roxbury, MA |
The National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) is a special place in Roxbury, Boston, Massachusetts. It was started in 1968 by a wonderful person named Elma Lewis. The NCAAA's main goal is to protect and share the amazing art and culture of Black people from all over the world. They do this by teaching art and showing professional artworks in many different art forms.
Even though its name mentions "Afro-American" artists, the NCAAA celebrates art from all over the African diaspora. This means art from people of African descent, no matter where they live. The NCAAA is the biggest independent Black cultural arts center in New England, United States. Many students who have learned here have become famous performers around the world.
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History of the NCAAA
How the Center Began
The NCAAA grew out of the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts, which Elma Lewis had already started. Since 1950, the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts has helped people of all ages in Boston learn about art. Many students from this school have become very successful in the performing arts around the world.
In the 1990s, the NCAAA completely updated and made its building much bigger. This building is 34,000 square feet and has art studios, an auditorium for shows, a cafeteria, offices, and classrooms. The school continued to be a place for learning and culture. It has also been a hub for important discussions, events, and community programs.
Where the NCAAA Has Been Located
When it first started, the NCAAA was in an old firehouse in Franklin Park, Boston. In 1980, the museum part of the NCAAA moved to its own separate building. It is now located at the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists.
In the early 1980s, two fires caused damage to the old firehouse where the NCAAA was located. However, the art collections stored at the museum, which had its own building, were safe and unharmed. Harriet Forte Kennedy also worked as an assistant director at the museum for some time.
What the NCAAA Does
The National Center of Afro-American Artists does many exciting things, including:
- Running and taking care of its own museum.
- Hosting amazing art performances, like "Black Musical Productions," and art exhibitions. They do this on their own and also work with other art museums in Boston.
- Offering art education programs to many different students. This includes professional artists, young students from the community, and even people in local prisons.
See also
