Celebrate Black Arts and Culture
Your essential guide to discovering and supporting African American performing arts in Chicago and beyond.
01.
Discover
Easily find and attend shows, performances, and cultural events led by Black and Brown artists.
02.
Engage
Join a thriving network that promotes local talent and fosters cultural appreciation among diverse communities.
03.
Support
Empowering artists through resources, visibility, and opportunities to connect with the community.
Power UP! Saturday Dance Classes
Power UP! Saturday Dance Classes are for all students, ages 5-14, who want to advance their dance training beyond FMC Summer Dance Camp and School Programs. Sponsored by the Epstein […]
Blue Heaven
Previews: September 6, 7, 12, 13 Open: September 14 Close: October 26 Written and Directed by Daryl D. Brooks A Soul-Stirring Celebration of the Blues Get ready for a wild, […]
Chicago, IL, Illinois 60640 United States
Rome Sweet Rome
Rome Sweet Rome is a celebration of so many things, but at its heart it expresses the deep connection we still have with Shakespeare and his stories after 400+ years. It’s […]
Chicago, IL 60611 United States
Rooted
Rooted is a play by Black actor and playwright Ben Locke. Faced with the prospect of losing their ancestral home, a trio of BIPOC modern-day witches resurrect a witch from […]
Chicago, IL 60640 United States
Mop and Bucket Blues
Dates: October 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 23th, 24th, 25th, & 26th November 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th "Mop and Bucket Blues" examines the importance of sports and creative arts programming […]
Machine Made
Dates: October 17th, 18th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 30th, & 31st November 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, & 23rd In this […]
Measure of a Man
How does one measure the life of a man like Chairman Fred Hampton, who was assassinated by the FBI and Cook County Police in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969? Measure of […]
Chicago, IL 60660 United States
The Wash
The Wash: In 1881, Black laundresses in Atlanta led a strike weeks before the International Cotton Exposition came to town. Demanding $1/dozen pounds of laundry, the Atlanta Washerwomen’s Strike of […]
When Good Broccoli Goes Bad
Dates: November 13th & 19th, 2025 When Good Broccoli Goes Bad is theater for young audiences which explores Broccoli's and into the land of unhealthy foods. Utilizing Chicago's rich musical […]
Black Ensemble’s Holiday Extravaganza
A Joyful Celebration of Music, Magic & Community November 29th, 30th | December 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, & 21st Get ready to deck the halls and lift your spirits […]
About Black Arts Directory
The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago created and maintains The Black Arts Directory to serve as a vibrant online hub to highlight area Black performing arts and events. We spotlight theatre, dance, music, film, literary, and visual arts events.
Dedicated to supporting and preserving the rich heritage of Black arts and culture in Chicago, BACA empowers Black artists and organizations, bridges communities, fosters support, and promotes cultural exchange.
Our Initiatives
Explore our various programs designed to uplift and support underrepresented artists in the community.
Artist Grants
We provide financial support to emerging artists, helping them to create and showcase their work effectively.
Workshops
Attend our skill-building workshops aimed at enhancing artists’ talents and promoting professional growth in the arts.
Community Events
Join us for events that celebrate culture and community involvement, featuring performances and discussions with local artists.
Join the Movement
Your contribution can make a significant impact in uplifting artists and enhancing the community.
Inspiring Transformations
Read about the lives changed and the impact of our programs on local artists and communities.
Dancer's Journey
Celebrate the rhythm, roots, and resilience of Black dance in Chicago. From traditional African movements to hip-hop, modern, and ballet, the Dance section of the Black Arts Directory showcases the vibrant pulse of our community. Discover performances, companies, and choreographers keeping Black cultural expression alive—on stage and in the streets. Whether it’s footwork on the South Side or Afro-Caribbean fusion in public spaces, this is where movement meets meaning.
Musician's Rise
Chicago’s Black music scene is the heartbeat of a global movement. From jazz and gospel to house, blues, soul, hip-hop, and R&B, the Music section of the Black Arts Directory celebrates the artists, bands, and institutions shaping the soundtrack of our culture. Explore local talent, legendary venues, and upcoming performances that reflect the soul, struggle, and spirit of Black expression—past, present, and future.
Get Involved Today
Support Black and Brown artists by contributing to our initiatives by adding to our celebration of culture in Chicago.