Our mission is to collect, promote and preserve art from the African Diaspora by encouraging individuals and institutions to appreciate and acquire this art.
For over 20 years, we’ve been galvanizing art lovers and expanding the appreciation of our visual arts culture—and the contemporary Black artists who create it—through workshops, seminars, tours and special events.
We will continue to collect, promote and preserve art from the African Diaspora by inspiring individual collectors and institutions to embrace this extraordinary art form through establishing the Diasporal Rhythms African American Collectors Institute.
Our organization champions:
Cultural Representation by advocating for Black art and artists of the African Diaspora in spaces where we’re being denied.
Preservation of Black artistry through educational programming, artist exhibitions, and experiences for cultural immersion.
Connection between art enthusiasts as they appreciate, curate and collect Black art while cultivating their “tribe”. where we’re being denied.
Diasporal Rhythms is a grassroots cultural institution with a 20-year history of collecting, promoting and preserving art from the African Diaspora by encouraging individuals and institutions to appreciate and acquire this art.
We’re an unapologetically Afrocentric organization, in and from the community we serve and represent, and we welcome all who celebrate Black culture and its artistic expression. Our dynamic programs—exhibitions, education, and cultural events—forge deep connections among art lovers.
Our unwavering commitment to cultivating and preserving the creative contributions of the African Diaspora is at the core of our mission. As we share our story and expand our presence through the creation of the Diasporal Rhythms African American Collectors Institute, the impact of our work will continue to grow, ensuring the preservation of Black artistry for generations to come.
Through our ArtSmart program, we curate conversations to educate art enthusiasts at all levels about the business of art, while our studio visits provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of local artists in their work environment.
DR’s “On the Road Series” offers members and affiliates unique opportunities to be immersed in the Black cultural experience and artistry—including international travels to present a richer, more diverse context.
Our collaborations with other well-respected Chicago brands, such as Navy Pier and Northwestern Medicine, continually increase our visibility and engage new audiences.
These combined efforts help us deliver on our mission of expanding the appreciation of the African visual arts culture.
Education: A well-rounded curriculum that educates and enlightens art lovers.
Immersion: Opportunities to expand perspectives and offer richer cultural context to Black art.
Collaborations: Partnerships that generate additional funding and increase membership and engagement.
Collects Black art due to its relevance within the artistic landscape.
Enjoys our programs and exhibitions that expand appreciation for contemporary Black art.
Values opportunities to connect with the art and with others who share their appreciation for it.
These are Chicagoland residents seeking education, exposure and awareness of art from the African Diaspora. We provide these like-minded individuals and collectors opportunities for cultural immersion
and experiences that connect them in their shared appreciation and support for Black art and culture.
Although we hope to attract younger participants (under 40), many of them don’t see themselves as affiliated with the art world or assume they can’t afford to invest in art.
They join us in our mission of championing art and artists of the African Diaspora by participating in our programming and events, and spreading the word among other art patrons and collectors. Some younger audiences feel a lack of connection to arts and often think it’s not affordable. Creating social content and dedicating programming to address these concerns helps us make them feel welcome.
Our community welcomes everyone who wants to learn about, appreciate and acquire the art of the African Diaspora.
We advocate for cultural representation and serve as a voice championing Black artists in spaces where they’re being denied.
The art and artists we support authentically reflect the Afrocentric spirit, history and culture.
