Celebrate the power of photography and self-expression at this free, daylong Family Festival inspired by the exhibition Photography and the Black Arts Movement, 1955–1985. Get ready to experience a vibrant lineup of live music, dance, storytelling, and interactive workshops honoring the creativity, culture, and community at the heart of the Black Arts Movement.
Schedule of Events
Performances
Museum Courtyard
10am- Welcome by MC Philosophy and DJ Space
10:45am - Lula Washington Dance Theatre
12pm - THECouncil
1pm - Darynn Dean
2:30pm - Lula Washington Dance Theatre
3:45pm - THECouncil
4:45pm - Darynn Dean
Throughout the day - MC Philosophy and DJ Space
Lula Washington Dance Theatre 45-minute peformances Experience powerful storytelling in a dynamic dance performance that traces the spirit of the Civil Rights Movement through the decades. Blending history with movement, this engaging presentation invites audiences of all ages to reflect, connect, and feel inspired by the journey from past to future.
THECouncil 30-minute peformances Join THECouncil, a dynamic collective led by Sheopatra Jones, as they use dance and storytelling to explore themes of community, identity and empowerment. This engaging, family-friendly performance invites audiences of all ages to feel uplifted, discover power of self-expression, and be inspired to see themselves—and one another—in new and meaningful ways.
Darynn Dean 45-minute peformances This Los Angeles-born vocalist and composer brings a fresh, soulful voice to jazz, shaped by a rich musical legacy and mentorship from renowned artists including Dee Dee Bridgewater and Herbie Hancock. A recent UCLA graduate, Darynn Dean has performed on major stages nationwide and creates music that celebrates connection, creativity, and community.
Storytelling
12:45pm and 3:15pm | 30 minutes
Upper Garden
Photos Tell Stories—featuring Baba the Storyteller
Discover how photographs—frozen moments in time—can spark imagination, share history, and bring communities together. Baba blends lively tales, music, chants, and proverbs in an interactive performance for all ages. Families will laugh, reflect, and join in as stories transform powerful images from the past into a joyful shared experience.
Workshops
All Day
Painting with Paper, a Collage Workshop
Museum Entrance
Join artists from St. Elmo Village—an iconic Los Angeles community arts treasure dedicated to creativity, connection, and cultural expression—for a hands-on collage workshop inspired by the work of celebrated 20th-century American artist Romare Bearden. Using colorful paper and found materials, families can drop in to explore the art of collage while creating their own unique compositions.
The Look of Love: Handmade Posters Inspired by the Black Arts Movement with Kaya Arnoux
Museum Courtyard
In this hands-on workshop, create bold, colorful posters celebrating iconic figures like Amiri Baraka, Nikki Giovanni, Kwame Brathwaite, Malcolm X, and more. Explore their stories, express your creativity, and make a poster that honors their lasting impact on art, culture, and community.
On the Record: Create Your Own Album Cover
Museum Courtyard
Step into the spotlight and create your own album cover—start to finish. Come for one step or experience them all—this is your chance to imagine the soundtrack to your life and put yourself on the cover!
