Dear NBAF Community,
After five extraordinary years serving as Executive Director of the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF), it is with a mixture of gratitude and bittersweet emotions that I announce my upcoming departure from NBAF, effective April 30, 2025.
It is time for me to embark on a new chapter, though the decision to leave has been a difficult one given that this organization has become a profound and deeply personal part of my journey. However, I leave with immense pride in what I have helped NBAF build and have boundless hope for what the future holds.
During my tenure, it has been a pleasure to watch NBAF flourish. My team and I have consistently exceeded revenue goals year over year, strengthened our financial foundation, and created a significant reserve fund for the organization while expanding our programs and reach to support more Black artists than ever before.
Through bold programming, innovative partnerships, and key strategic initiatives to amplify Black artistry, we’ve delivered on our goal to ensure that NBAF’s impact extends throughout Atlanta and beyond. Over the past 5 years, NBAF’s youth arts education programs have grown from 5 schools to 12 and expanded through integral partnerships with organizations like Spelman Dance, the High Museum, and more.
Artistic workforce development programs have been a key priority for me and I’m extremely proud of the work that we’ve done through the Artist Project Fund which has provided over $200,000 in grant funding and professional support to artists, as well as key audition and performance opportunities for students interested in careers in the arts. I am also extremely proud of the creation of NBAF’s Artist Showcase and Celebration Under the Stars events designed to make NBAF’s fundraising events more accessible as well as provide a platform for exposure for the next generation of artists.
This work has been transformative—not just for the artists we serve but for the communities we’ve engaged. We have elevated emerging talent, deepened cultural conversations, and created meaningful opportunities that will resonate for years to come.
Under my leadership, NBAF has reinforced its local and national reputation as a premier institution for Black arts and culture, with a legacy of excellence. We made significant strides to broaden NBAF’s reach through several high-profile grant projects such as the Bloomberg Public Art Challenge and through engagements with Leadership Atlanta and more as we began charting a path to bring back NBAF’s renowned festival.
Most importantly, I have been honored to build a thriving, experienced, and mission-driven team, growing NBAF’s capacity from 4 to 7 full-time staff members, whose passion and dedication fuel this organization’s success. The culture of unity, collaboration, creativity, and resilience we have fostered will remain one of my most cherished accomplishments.
A strategic succession plan is in place to ensure a smooth transition and maintain NBAF’s momentum. The future is bright, and I look forward to watching this organization continue to shape the landscape of Black art with innovation and unwavering purpose.
To our artists, supporters, partners, and community—thank you. Your belief in NBAF and in me has been both humbling and inspiring. It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead this organization, and I will forever cherish the impact we’ve made together.
With deep gratitude,
Stephanie Owens
Executive Director
National Black Arts Festival
