Let the bells ring out and the banners fly this February at the Town of Oakville and Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton's Black History Month Kickoff Celebration! This event will feature cultural exhibitions from the Oakville Museum, Sheridan College, and the Association of African Canadian Artists, and amazing artistic performances from Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, John Campbell, Njacko Backo and Ballet Creole.
Venture into visual arts this month with two Art Hive Open Studio events on Feb. 9 and Feb. 23. Art Hives are inclusive community art studios that can pop-up anywhere like a local library, community centre or even museum. Open to artists of all interest and skill-level, Oakville's art hives will be facilitated by visual artist Camille King and will concentrate on blending art-making with African Canadian experiences.
Fancy yourself a film buff? Swing by Sheridan College on Feb. 21 for their public film screening of one of 2018's top-grossing films, Black Panther. This showing will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Sheridan faculty and speakers from the local Black community. Learn more about local perspectives and experiences with this film-tastic event.
Explore vibrant portraits of the African Canadian experience with a tour through the "Beyond the Journey" art exhibit at Oakville Town Hall. This colourful display of artistry and history includes 50 artworks by contemporary African Canadian artists featuring portraits, landscapes, abstract pieces and more. Book a tour now before the exhibit closes at the end of the month.
Follow along with first-person accounts of the Underground Railroad and life after emancipation at the Oakville Museum's incredible exhibits, "Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville's Black History" and "The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom". These detailed and well-curated displays are a fantastically immersive way to learn more about Oakville's Black history.
For more event information, click here: visitoakville.com.