Black History Month Family Festival

at the Crocker Art Museum

About

The Black History Month Family Festival at the Crocker Art Museum, held from February 4 to May 19, 2024, celebrated the exhibition "Black Artists in America: From Civil Rights to the Bicentennial" with a dynamic program that involved art, music, and cultural activities. Visitors interacted with local and regional BIPOC artists; enjoyed live performances, poetry readings, and a vendor market; and contributed to the collaborative art installation, "Flowers Whilst We’re Here," which was inspired by David Clyde Driskell’s "Woman with Flowers." The festival also featured artist-led activities, talks by notable speakers, and films. The event created a sense of community, connection, and celebration of Black art and culture.

Intended Outcome

With a goal to support community building among various populations and cultural organizations from the Sacramento region, the Crocker Art Museum aimed to bring in 2,000 diverse community members. 

Actual Outcome

Ninety percent of collaborating artists and community organizations self-identified as BIPOC. Of importance, the Crocker Art Museum partnered with the Sacramento-based Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum. These collaborations brought in 2,300 visitors.

Advice Post Project

To effectively reach diverse and historically underserved communities, prioritize ongoing relationship building and collaboration with trusted community organizations. Even if initial outreach through these partners yields lower engagement, sustained partnerships—like those with cultural institutions, such as the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum—are essential for creating meaningful connections and promoting inclusive programs that resonate across diverse neighborhoods.