FROM THE DESK OF NEIL BARCLAY

  

 Happy New Year!

  

2011 promises to be an exciting year for us.  We launched our new brand identity in 2010, and as we move into Phase II of our rebranding campaign this year, we are pleased with how the community embraced our new look and feel.  But that's not all--we are looking forward to presenting extraordinary experiences to audiences during 2011, as only NBAF can.  

  

 

Highlights include: 

• Our Education and Public Programs' "What a Difference a Day Makes" series offers one-of-a-kind, day-long guided tours to key sites in major U.S. cities, such as Charlotte, Baltimore, DC, Philadelphia and New York. 

 

• We are partnering with the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University to present Urban Bush Women, January 22nd, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, March 13th.

 

• We're taking the Children's Education Village on the road to schools and other institutions in the U.S. with Village-2-Go.   Currently, the centerpiece of Village-2-Go is "Growing the Dream", which features a child-size replica of the boyhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

• The 5th Annual Fine Art + Fashion, presented by Neiman Marcus will be held March 17th.  Neiman's is bringing in their production team from Dallas to ensure an amazing event.  This year we honor designers C D Greene and Jada Loveless, and visual artists Radcliffe Bailey and Danny Simmons.  We are thrilled to have Steve Harvey as MC; Atlanta philanthropist, business woman and fashion icon, Sandra Anderson Baccus as chair of the event; and  Neiman Marcus as the Title Sponsor.  Tickets are going fast, and you won't want to miss this event, so reserve your seats now!

 

• This year's National Black Arts Festival returns to Centennial Olympic Park, July 15th-17th.  Festival events will run from July 7th through 17th, featuring the ever-popular NBAF Gala, the Legends Celebration, Dance performances, film screenings and visual arts exhibitions.  NBAF Members will have early access to the best seats at the best prices, so if you are not a member, we encourage you to become a member to take advantage of this opportunity.

Hope to see you at these wonderful events this year!