The African American Arts Alliance of Chicago was originally founded in the early 1970's as the Black Theater Alliance by a group of artists, activists and community leaders. Its purpose was to raise public awareness of African American artistic achievement and impact in Illinois. Ignited in the spirit of the Black Arts Movement, the Alliance focused mainly on promoting Black theater development; supporting actors and musicians working on stage, paying recognition to the achievement of African American artists and technicians; as well as organizing the first city wide cultural celebration of African American arts in Chicago. In 1997 a group of Chicago's leading African American artists and arts organizations came together and formed a new organization; incorporating as the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago. This organization embraced the history of the Black Theater Alliance while expanding their scope to include more diverse groups of artistic mediums. The Alliance was formulated as a service organization to address the specific needs and concerns of Chicago's African American arts community. Since its incorporation the Alliance has been managed and operated primarily by its Board of Directors. The board sets policies and fundraise for the organization. The Alliance has a membership of 183 which represents 15% organizations and 65% individuals.

In 1997 Chicagos pioneering African American arts leaders; Jackie Taylor, Chuck Smith, Runako Jahi, Joan Gray, Douglas Mann among others formulated as a service organization to address the deficit of support for Chicagos African American artists and arts organizations. Incorporating as the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago; it was their aim to provide Chicagos African American artists and arts organizations with the most comprehensive of programs, services and resources. The Alliance focuses its assistance in the areas of organizational development, communication, technical support, educational sponsorship, the dissemination of information on cultural events, jobs, internships, auditions and networking opportunities. It is also a priority for the Alliances to sponsor events that display the immense talent within our community, rejoice in our successes and celebrate the achievements we have made. - - The African American Arts Alliance of Chicago is a service organization which seeks to provide African American individual artists and arts organizations the services and programs which will nurture their growth and foster a powerful, culturally diverse arts community in Chicago. We are advocates for organizations and artists in the genres of theatre, dance, music, literature, performance arts, visuals arts and film. The purpose of the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago is to enhance the development of Chicagos African American artists and arts organizations. It is also our aim to produce exciting, culturally significant arts programming which displays the diverse scope African American experiences and communicates the historical, educational, inspirational and artistic significance the African American community has. The Alliance actively fosters establishing relationships that partner our constituent organizations with Chicago based arts organizations that advocate diversity. - - -

African American Arts Alliance of Chicago Current Programs and Services - - - - Black Arts Month - This year the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago will sponsor its tenth annual Black Arts Month (October 2008). This annual celebration is a citywide, month-long celebration that focuses on the talent and achievements within Chicago's African American arts community. Black Arts Month is a rare gift for all Chicagoans and a wonderful collaboration of African American artists and arts institution, resulting in the increase of visibility, marketability and resources for more than 20 Black Art Institutions within the city of Chicago. The Alliance produces numerous events throughout the month including: - Kidtastic: An all-day performance art festival entirely produced and performed by African American youth ages 7 -17. This program highlights the talents of numerous African American children artists throughout the city. Some of the participating organizations include Yesdrums, Chocolate Chips theatre and Najwa Dance. - The State of Black Arts Conference - This conference brings together emerging and established artists, arts leaders, arts educators and arts supporters to hear a report on a recent study undertaken by the Alliance to determine the critical concerns facing the field today. Empowerment Breakfast - This annual Breakfast held at famed soul food restaurant, Army and Lous is an inspirational gathering that begins the Black Arts Months celebrations. There will be a national keynote speaker to inspire and motivate the African American arts community. - Black Excellence Awards Gala - This annual ceremony was established to honor the best of African American theatre, dance, music, literature, visual arts and film within Chicago. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award which in 2007 was given to outstanding artist Pemon Rami and Masequa Myers. sculptor and Chicago native. The Alliance also produces development and informational workshops, Town Hall Meetings and resource sharing gatherings throughout the year.