International Harlem Fine Arts Show Favorite 

Practitioner: 

Date: 

Feb 24 2023

Location: 

New York City, Washington DC, Traveling

The International Harlem Fine Arts Show (HFAS) is the largest traveling African Diasporic art show in the United States. Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance, HFAS provides a platform for African Diasporic visionaries and American visual artists to exhibit and sell their artwork. The show also aims to create economic empowerment, educational opportunities and professional recognition within the multicultural community.

The HFAS was first held in February 2010 in New York City and has since attracted more than 80,000 visitors to venues across the country, including Martha’s Vineyard, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, White Plains, NY and New York City. The show features over 60 booths presenting select artists and galleries from the African Diaspora, as well as live performances, lectures, workshops and special events.

In 2023, the HFAS will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a three-day event at The Glasshouse in New York City, presented by Lexus of Manhattan. The event will include a red carpet VIP entry, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, an exclusive preview and sale of art exhibition for VIP guests, and an all-black affair party presented by Blue Light Entertainment. The event will also benefit several organizations that support the arts and culture of the African Diaspora.

The International Harlem Fine Arts Show is an example of artistic activism using art as a tool to effect social change. By showcasing the works of artists from the African Diaspora, the show challenges the dominant narratives and stereotypes about black people and their cultures. It is a showcase of the diversity, creativity and innovation of the black community. It is a tribute to the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on the world. By creating a space for dialogue, education and empowerment, the show inspires the audience to appreciate and support the artistic and cultural contributions of the black community. By partnering with organizations that advocate for the rights and interests of the African Diaspora, the show amplifies the voices and demands of the marginalized and oppressed. The International Harlem Fine Arts Show is not only an art show, but also a movement for justice and equality.

External sources: 

https://walkercommunicationsgroup.com/2023/01/15/harlem-fine-arts-show-marks-15t…
https://www.hfas.org
https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2023/02/02/harlem-fine-arts-show-2/
https://www.blackenterprise.com/buyblackart-harlem-fine-arts-show-announces-15th…
Posted by ctl9185 on Apr 25 2023

Staff rating: 

0

Effectiveness

How does this project help?

Activates (people)Energizes and organizes people into action. Can include emotion work
Amplifies (issue or campaign)Brings public and political attention to an issue or campaign.  Can include prefigurative action, making the invisible visible.
Strengthens (community)Strengthens, builds and celebrates community through ritual and/or symbol.
Provides (a useful service)Provides a useful social service.

Timeframe For change

This project seems to be part of a campaign with a clear short-term goal. Short-term goals tend to be things like: create or repeal a law; get a President impeached; make the city administration repair a sidewalk. A campaign with a short-term goal needs a clear theory of change, complete with targets that can be cajoled or pressured into effecting the goal.
To encourage the purchasing and visibility of black artists and art.
This project seems to be part of a campaign with a clear long-term goal. Long-term goals tend to be things like: end racism; end homophobia; make the sun stand still in the sky. A campaign with a long-term goal also needs to have some kind of theory of change.
To keep the memory of the Harlem renaissance alive, to end racial discrimination, and promote cultural diversity and inclusion through the celebration and empowerment of African Diasporic art and artists.

Notes

The event has received large amounts of attention, and has been successful enough not only to return year after year, but also travel to different cities as well.