The First World Festival of Negro Arts & A Thing of Beauty

In collaboration with AFROPUNK Spaces, join us for a rare screening of acclaimed director William Greaves’s The First World Festival of Negro Arts (1966, 40 min.), the official documentary film of the festival held in Dakar, Senegal in 1966, and prolific painter Aaron Douglas’s film A Thing of Beauty (1966, 28 min.) about Fisk University’s first 100 years. A reception featuring cuisine inspired by the African Diaspora follows.

This event takes places during Third Thursdays—visit The Phillips Collection during our free extended hours from 5-8 pm!

AFROPUNK is an integrated media platform anchored by a global music festival that celebrates Black culture and diversity through music, art, activism, and community. This collaboration marks the first AFROPUNK SPACES activation in Washington, DC, and underscores AFROPUNK’s strategic aim to leverage a Black-centered lens to inspire physical and virtual spaces where people can freely express themselves, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore their identities.

Just announced! A limited number of seats have opened up for the Phillips Music Concerts featuring Richard Bona and Asante Trio (December 14)—during this event, attendees will have an in-person, limited opportunity to reserve an in-person concert ticket at the discounted member price.

IMAGE: Still from A Thing of Beauty