Oronike Odeleye has announced her resignation as Artistic Director of the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF), effective February 28, 2025. Odeleye, a passionate advocate for Black arts and culture for over two decades, cites a breakdown in board governance and leadership as the reason for her departure.
“It has been my honor to serve as Artistic Director of NBAF, an organization that has meant so much to me personally and professionally,” said Odeleye. “I took this position extremely excited to use my 20+ years of arts, entertainment, and event production experience to revitalize NBAF as a national leader in the presentation and promotion of Black art and artists. Unfortunately, due to an abrupt shift in board leadership’s commitment to the financial and organizational stability and growth needed to support large-scale programming, I am unable to see that vision through.”
During her tenure, Odeleye spearheaded innovative programming that significantly expanded NBAF’s impact and audience, restructured its artist grant programs to provide more comprehensive support for Black artists, and secured strategic partnerships and sponsorships that strengthened the organization’s foundation. Over two and a half years, she was instrumental in re-engaging the arts community with NBAF’s mission and diligently worked toward the relaunch of its biennial festival.
“My vision for NBAF was to restore it as a pillar of the Black arts community and create a new biennial festival that would strengthen the Black arts ecosystem and reconvene art lovers from all over the nation to support the best and brightest in Black art of all disciplines. While I am disappointed that I won’t be able to bring the festival relaunch to fruition, I remain deeply proud of the progress the NBAF staff has made under Executive Director Stephanie Owens’ leadership and the impact our work has had on the Atlanta arts community,” she added.
Odeleye’s resignation comes at a critical moment for NBAF as it navigates leadership transitions and financial uncertainties, particularly at a time when Black-led and Black-focused initiatives face increasing challenges.
Despite her departure, she remains committed to supporting Black arts and culture in Atlanta and looks forward to continuing her work to create meaningful public engagement with the art and culture of Africa and the Black Diaspora.
