Black Arts Matter is a multidisciplinary Black arts platform based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB).
As a response to the frustration of a limiting artistic landscape for Black artists in Edmonton, Black Arts Matter has acted as an expansive space for Black dancers, poets, musicians, theatre artists, educators and healers to share their brilliance, unbound by anti-Black ideals of “professionalism and productivity”. The platform has served as an affront to the racist myths that Black artists “aren’t in Edmonton” or “aren’t of the professional caliber”.
BAM took its first breath in the Chinook Series 2017, a two week performance art series curated by Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre, Fringe Theatre Adventures, and Azimuth Theatre.
A highlight of this collaborative spirit was the incorporation of American Sign Language as a result of Sound Off -Canada’s first deaf theatre festival- being in the Chinook fold. BAM was fortunate enough to work with NICA Inc, an incredible group of ASL interpreters/artists spearheaded by Nicole Sander to begin sharing Black Edmontonian art in new ways. After 3 strong years as a festival that brought communities of all races, abilities and artistic tastes to their feet with the huge support of Workshop West, Black Arts Matter is now an overall creative platform hosted by Hip Hop in the Park Foundation. This shift will allow BAM to produce throughout the year and support other community initiatives looking to broaden their audiences. NASRA is the Director of Black Arts Matter and looks forward to continuing to reimagine a world for Black Albertan creatives, by Black Albertan creatives.
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