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.
Batik created in Ghana, c 2006. Artist BSH.
April 5: Sankofa Speaker Series with Dr. Ismael Montana.
See below for details.↓
Submission guidelines
Three times a year in Belleville, Ontario, join us for exciting concerts featuring African artists, as well as featured guests from around the world. In the summer, experience the vibes of an African village outdoors under the sun at our free outdoor concert by the lake. In the fall, an arts symposium brings artist talks, hands-on workshops, and an intimate indoor concert. In winter, we bring the warmth indoors for our annual ticketed event.
Save the date! Drum Summit returns on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Check out the upcoming and past events in our Speaker Series. Get hands-on with Drum Repair Days. Be the first to know of courses as they are rolled out, and develop expertise in African drumming and dance. Attend a workshop. For teachers, find resources you can use in your classroom.Â
Attend a show, volunteer, learn African drumming and dance, listen to a speaker, maybe pitch us a program idea! There is something for everyone and we welcome your involvement!Â
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.Â
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.
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!Â
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.
"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
"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
"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
