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.
The 5th Annual BIPOC Play Festival
Dates: Aug 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, & 24th Perceptions Theatre’s BIPOC Play Festival was created in 2021 to offer local playwrights of color a platform to share their stories. […]
Community Class Saturdays
African Roots of Flamenco Explore Flaminco's African Roots Through Rhythm, Movement, Palmas, Body Percussion, and Drumming. Teens & Adults 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
“I Don’t Want to Play Myself” A Solo Show Written and Performed by Toccara Castleman
Six original characters - seven if you count code switching - explore the journey of an impressionable young woman who tried again and again…and again to make her dreams of […]
Chicago, IL 60660 United States
Chicago Luvin’ with CBDLP
The Joel Hall Dancers, with Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, present the World Premiere of Maiya Redding’s Chicago Luvin’ on August 23.
Chicago, IL 60640 United States
Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions
The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project, an initiative of the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, in partnership with the Harris Theater for […]
Audition: Training Program
Joel Hall Dancers & Center brings back its Training Program this Fall! Train and WERKQ with the Joel Hall Dancers and be part of one of Chicago’s beloved dance communities.
Chicago, IL 60640 United States
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
Paint The Town Red Fundraiser
Step into a night of purpose, passion, and performance at Red Clay Dance Company’s annual fundraiser, Paint the Town Red, as we proudly kick off our 17th Season! Join us […]
TEDxChicago 2025: The Future is Human
Red Clay Dance Company joins TEDxChicago 2025 to premiere a new performance that brings Artivism in Motion to one of the world’s most iconic platforms. Tickets on sale July 25.
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.