The Critics | 200 Years of Black Artists in Paris

Join Parkway Social and Sandy Film Festival for a lecture that explores how numerous African-American artists—including writers, visual artists, and performers—journeyed to Paris, either temporarily or permanently, in pursuit of greater artistic freedom and personal agency. In contrast to the systemic racism they faced in the United States, Paris offered a more supportive and liberating environment that allowed them to cultivate their creative work more fully. This seminar examines the historical and cultural significance of Paris as a haven for Black artistic expression, exploring how the city shaped and was shaped by these transnational exchanges.

Attendees of this seminar can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of African-American artists in Paris and how their work in this city contributed to both American and global artistic movements. By the end, participants will have new insights into the role of race, identity, and geography in shaping artistic freedom and innovation.

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Anita Welbon, a Faculty Advisor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), is a lifelong Chicagoan with a global perspective. Since 1993, she has taught literature and essay writing in SAIC’s Department of Liberal Arts and MFA Writing Program.

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