PhilAesthetic: AAMP celebrates the African Diaspora in Philadelphia

February 15, 2019 Category: Entertainment Posted by: Philadelphia Sun Staff

ABOVE PHOTO: Kulu Mele African Dance and Drum Ensemble

Three new exhibitions and over a dozen programs will take place from February through May

PhilAesthetic returns to the African American Museum in Philadelphia (AAMP) to celebrate the African Diaspora. Funded through The PNC Foundation through the PNC Arts Alive initiative, and curated by AAMP, PhilAesthetic shines a light on the vastness, depth and impact of diasporic arts and culture here in Philadelphia, and worldwide.

This year marks the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of Africans to British colonies of 1619. These individuals brought with them a rich cultural tapestry that would shape the foundations of our country, and go on to influence creative expression around the globe.

Honoring the cultural contributions of diasporic communities past and present, this year’s PhilAesthetic celebration includes three new exhibitions at AAMP, including “AAMP on Paper: Selections from the Permanent Collection,” along with “Baye Fall: Roots in Spirituality, Fashion” and “Resistance and The Sacred Star of Isis and Other Stories,” which include photographs by MFON: Women Photographers of the African Diaspora founders Laylah Amatullah Barrayn Adama and Delphine Fawundu. In addition to these exhibitions, PhilAesthetic includes more than a dozen programs held both at the museum and with partnering institutions around Philadelphia through May.

“Through PNC Arts Alive, we continue to help invigorate local arts organizations while bringing new and exciting programs to our community,” said Joe Meterchick, PNC regional president for Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey. “The creativity and collaboration demonstrated by the local arts community is evident in the programs that will be introduced, while enabling new visitors and residents alike to experience a diverse range of exhibits and performances.”

PhilAeshetic kicks off in February with a performance by Kulu Mele African Dance and Drum Ensemble, and the 23rd Annual Schomburg Symposium, both held at Taller Puertoriqueno in North Philadelphia.

Other highlights include two documentary screenings with filmmaker discussions, monthly “Macy’s Family Fun Day” celebrations, and evening concerts presented in partnership with AfroTaino Productions and the University of Delaware. PhilAesthetic culminates with a free, family-friendly outdoor African cultural festival at AAMP, presented in partnership with the African Cultural Alliance of North America, currently slated for Sunday, May 26.

Exhibitions at AAMP open in March and run through May. Performances and programs, many of which will be free or low cost, will start in February and run through May. Further information regarding PhilAesthetic exhibitions and programs can be found at: http://www.aampmuseum.org/philaesthetic