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 |
| Website | http://ncaaa.org/ |
The National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) is a special place in Roxbury, Massachusetts. It was started in 1968 by Elma Lewis. The NCAAA helps to keep the cultural arts heritage of Black people alive. It does this by teaching art and showing professional art from around the world. Even though its name mentions African American artists, it 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, USA. Many people who have been part of the NCAAA have become famous in the performing arts worldwide.
History of the NCAAA
The National Center of Afro-American Artists grew out of the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts. Elma Lewis had started this school earlier. Since 1950, the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts has taught people of all ages in Boston. Many students from this school have become successful in the performing arts around the world.
In the 1990s, the NCAAA completely updated its building. This building is 34,000 square feet and has studios, an auditorium, a cafeteria, offices, and classrooms. The school continued to be a place for learning and culture. It has hosted many important discussions, events, and community programs.
When it first started, the NCAAA was in an old firehouse in Franklin Park, Boston. In 1980, the museum moved to its own separate building. It is now located at the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists. There were two fires in the early 1980s at the old firehouse. These fires caused a lot of damage. However, the art collections stored at the museum's new building were safe.
A person named 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 important things. These activities include:
- Running and taking care of its own art museum.
- Putting on art shows and performances, like "Black Musical Productions." They do this alone or 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
