Celebrate Black Arts and Culture
Your essential guide to discovering and supporting African American performing arts in Chicago and beyond.
01.
Discover
Easily find and attend shows, performances, and cultural events led by Black and Brown artists.
02.
Engage
Join a thriving network that promotes local talent and fosters cultural appreciation among diverse communities.
03.
Support
Empowering artists through resources, visibility, and opportunities to connect with the community.
Hymm
Two men from two very different neighborhoods meet as strangers, but before long—they’re singing the same tune. Benny is a loner anchored by his wife and children. Gil longs to […]
Chicago, IL 60611 United States
Shakin’ The Mess Outta Misery
Pegasus Theatre is pleased to announce the the revival of playwright Shay Youngblood’s Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, which follows “Daughter”, who returns home to eulogize the last of the […]
Chicago, IL 60642 United States
Black Bone
A winner of Amplify Series Two, Black Bone is a sharp satirical fantasy that blurs the line between game show theatrics and real life. The play follows a group of […]
Chicago, IL 60615 United States
Breathing Jazz Floor WERKQ with Joel Hall
Breathing Jazz Floor WERKQ with Joel Hall on June 20th from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm > SIGN UP
Chicago, IL 60640 United States
Modern (Horton-based) with William Gill
Modern (Horton-based) with William Gill on June 21st from 12 pm - 2 pm > SIGN UP
Chicago, IL 60640 United States
About Black Arts Directory
The Black Arts Directory serves as a vibrant online hub for African American and minority performing arts. We spotlight theatre, dance, music, and cultural events to celebrate rich artistic traditions.
Founded to empower marginalized artists, our organization aims to bridge communities, foster support, and promote cultural exchange in the performing arts.
Our Initiatives
Explore our various programs designed to uplift and support underrepresented artists in the community.
Artist Grants
We provide financial support to emerging artists, helping them to create and showcase their work effectively.
Workshops
Attend our skill-building workshops aimed at enhancing artists’ talents and promoting professional growth in the arts.
Community Events
Join us for events that celebrate culture and community involvement, featuring performances and discussions with local artists.
Join the Movement
Your contribution can make a significant impact in uplifting artists and enhancing the community.
Inspiring Transformations
Read about the lives changed and the impact of our programs on local artists and communities.
Dancer's Journey
Celebrate the rhythm, roots, and resilience of Black dance in Chicago. From traditional African movements to hip-hop, modern, and ballet, the Dance section of the Black Arts Directory showcases the vibrant pulse of our community. Discover performances, companies, and choreographers keeping Black cultural expression alive—on stage and in the streets. Whether it’s footwork on the South Side or Afro-Caribbean fusion in public spaces, this is where movement meets meaning.
Musician's Rise
Chicago’s Black music scene is the heartbeat of a global movement. From jazz and gospel to house, blues, soul, hip-hop, and R&B, the Music section of the Black Arts Directory celebrates the artists, bands, and institutions shaping the soundtrack of our culture. Explore local talent, legendary venues, and upcoming performances that reflect the soul, struggle, and spirit of Black expression—past, present, and future.
Get Involved Today
Support Black and Brown artists by contributing to our initiatives by adding to our celebration of culture in Chicago.