The National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) was founded in 1987 by the Fulton County Arts Council under the leadership of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, following a cultural planning study commissioned by then Chairman Michael Lomax. The inaugural festival was produced in 1988, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most enduring and influential Black arts institutions in the country. Since its founding, NBAF has drawn millions of people from Atlanta, across the nation, and around the globe to its wide-ranging programs that are intellectually rigorous, culturally affirming, and creatively expansive.
Rooted in the vast and varied traditions of the African Diaspora - including the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America - NBAF has consistently positioned Black art as a conduit for connection, a catalyst for dialogue, and a force for transformation. Through its curatorial lens, the organization elevates cultural expression as both a mirror and a map, reflecting lived experience while guiding communities toward greater understanding and shared purpose.
NBAF is deeply committed to what’s next, championing emerging artists and nurturing the creative potential of young people who will shape the future of Black art and culture. Through year-round youth arts education programs, NBAF introduces public school students to the depth and breadth of Black artistic traditions, while offering artistic training, mentorship, and exposure to career pathways in the creative industries. These initiatives not only spark imagination, but also strengthen academic outcomes and expand access to higher education.
At the same time, NBAF provides vital platforms for rising artists to develop and showcase their work, connect with new audiences, and gain visibility in an often inequitable arts landscape. By investing in the next generation of creators and arts administrators, NBAF ensures that the legacy of Black artistic excellence continues to evolve boldly, brilliantly, and without boundaries.
