African Arts Institute

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A Message from the President

Welcome to the home of African Arts. Come and visit us, attend our concerts and workshops, and visit the website often to see all of the exciting programs that are lined up. At the African Arts Institute, we seek to promote, present, research, educate, and entertain, with the lens of Africa to the world. We share this as a platform that will foster various aspects of African arts: expressions of sculpture, music, dance, theatre, storytelling, drumming, chants, songs…and more. We bring you the arts and culture of Africa, the insights of Africa that keeps Africa together, that keeps the people of Africa alive worldwide. We seek to bring the ancient to the fore, and to research and explore further how today’s world can share the saturated ideals, ideas, and values of Africa in our present day lives. Workshops, concerts, gatherings of various forms – webinars, seminars, conferences, various outlets of communications. You are always welcome to join us. Welcome,and Shidaa! (Thank you.)

Dr. Isaac Akrong

Programs and Services

Online learning platform

Coming soon: immerse yourself in the richness of African arts and culture through a range of educational resources available online and in person for people of all ages.

Artistic Development

We offer ongoing learning and professional development for artists at all stages in their careers, in areas such as dance, drumming, singing, theatre, storytelling, and more.

Community Engagement

Spread the joy by becoming involved in community initiatives such as drumming ensembles and storytelling circles. Invite us into your organization or community, or join us as a volunteer or intern.

Events

Experience the thrill and excitement of live music through our annual concert series (summer and winter). Play the drums in an ensemble or a workshop. Attend webinars and workshops. There is something for everyone!

Market

Interested in purchasing drums or other musical instruments? We offer a variety of drums and instruments direct from Ghana, West Africa. Contact us for details.

Resources

Coming soon: Explore resources on African arts and culture through our resource library and archives. Join us in fostering research through research grants, seminars, and educational workshops.

Upcoming Events

Aug

Reviews and Feedback

Cirque Kalabanté performance: Afrique En Cirque

"This was such an amazing, high-energy performance that had me dancing in my seat and clapping my hands the whole time! Such an amazing show, thanks for bringing this to Belleville!"

Karen, audience member

Drumming workshop with Isaac Akrong

"I loved everything about the event. The drums were beautiful, the drumming felt so amazing..... I just felt empowered and filled with joy. I just found the whole event beautiful! I appreciated learning more about the culture of Africa.

Liz Jones, Drumming workshop participant

Colours of Africa painting & collage workshop with Emebet Belete

"The whole event was great, from the teacher Emebet Belete to the organizers and the people attending. The venue at the library was also great."

Visual Arts workshop participant

News and Updates

Blog Posts

Keep up to date with the latest happenings at AAI through our blog.

Community Stories

Read inspiring stories from our community members.

Workshop with African Dance Ensemble

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