Sisters' Worth Celebrating - July 2008 - The Black Women's Art Festival

The Black Women’s Arts Festival (BWAF) was founded and produced in March 2003 by Founder and Former Director Cassendre Xavier. Xavier produced a 3-day event, which showcased the work of black women artists in: performance, visual arts, literary arts, and film. Now in its fifth year BWAF has become a non-profit which produces a once-yearly 4-day festival which showcases: Music/Live Performance, Literary Arts, Visual Arts, Film/Video, Workshops, and Dance/Theater and hosts over 60 artists from across the globe. BWAF is committed to being a platform that values black women and their work; emphasizing unique, under-represented art forms, showcasing new and emerging artists while promoting the necessity of health and well-being. Led by Creative Director Monica McIntyre, BWAF is poised to become a world-renowned arts festival. Sisters' Sanctuary was able to have a brief Q & A with BWAF Creative Director, Monica McIntyre.

• What is BWAF?

BWAF is the Black Women's Arts Festival, an annual festival and non-profit organization. It's a Philadelphia based community event which focuses on the visibility and viability of black women artists of all genres and media without regard for: age, gender expression, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation or size. BWAF is a 501(c)3 organization.

• When was BWAF started? Who are the founders of BWAF?

The Black Women's Arts Festival was founded in March 2003 by Cassendre Xavier and began as a 3-day one-time event.

• Where is BWAF located?

Our festival, as of BWAF 2007, takes place in multiple locations. Our venues for this year are: First Unitarian Church, The Rotunda, Kaffa Crossing, Vivant Art Collection, The Metropolitan Bakery & Cafe, Sanctuary, and World Cafe Live.

• Why was BWAF started?

Cassendre Xavier created the Black Women's Arts Festival in response to a lack of visible and viable black female artists; she knew they existed and made an opportunity to feature their talent.

• Why are you apart of BWAF?

I first became involved with the Black Women's Arts Festival in 2003 as a performer and recognized the beauty and inspiration that this event gave me. I just knew this event had to keep happening and was given the opportunity to curate it in 2004 and have since been heavily involved in its organizing and production. This is such an important and necessary event for our community and the world at large and I am compelled to stay involved.

• What is the membership of BWAF made up of? (For example, type of people, their location, etc.)

At present the Black Women's Arts Festival doesn't have membership.

• Do BWAF have any upcoming events? Tell us about this event? (for example, purpose, location, date, time, price, etc.)

We are preparing for our 5th Annual Black Women's Arts Festival happening July 31st-August 3rd, 2008 in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, complete schedule, pricing, and discounted tickets go to: www.bwafphilly.org or call 215.951.0330 ext 2108.

• Tell us about the past participates?

We have been blessed to have some amazing performers grace the Black Women's Arts Festival. Our past years have featured: Sparlha Swa, RhapsodE, Davina Stewart, Walidha Imarisha, Olu Butterfly, Ryva Parker, and Voice of Africa, to name a few.

• How does this event encourage teen girls? How does BWAF look to affect the lives of teen girls?

By honoring black women artists we send a positive message to young women about their importance as people, females, and artists. Seeing the wide range of talent that is presented by our festival: dance, theater, visual arts, literary arts, films, and workshops; helps to expand their perceptions of what women can and are able to do.






Photos In Order of Appearances: Creative Director, Monica McIntrye; Founder, Cassendre Xavier; 2007 Featured Artist, Keisha Hutchins; 2007 Featured Artist, Nedra Johnson; 2004,2005 & 2007 Featured Artist, Marcia McIntyre; 2003 & 2005 Featured Artist, GHETTOSONGBIRD; 2007 Featured Artist, Sparlha Swa.