FLINT, MICH.- The Flint Institute of Arts announces the creation of a gallery space dedicated to artworks by African American and African Diaspora artists from the museum’s permanent collection.

Located at the north end of the Contemporary Collection (Charles Stewart Mott) wing, this gallery highlights some of the most important artists from the mid-20th century to present day through paintings, sculpture, and mixed media works. The first installation in this space features African American artists and those featured employ a variety of styles and themes, ranging from figurative to abstract art.




Today, they are leaders in the art world, pushing the boundaries of where art is going and what it represents. Exploring themes related to community, including ideas of history and place, identity and representation, social justice and self-expression, these artworks encompass thematic areas of people, place, and perspective. Many of the artists are advocates for social change and believe art can act as a catalyst to transform the world in which they live.

The FIA has been collecting artwork by artists of color since 1969 and today the collection includes over 320 artworks by African American and African Diaspora artists.

The FIA’s commitment to collect, exhibit, and celebrate art by African American and African Diaspora artists can be experienced through events such as the annual Community Gala. The Community Gala is a diversity initiative and celebration of Black History Month presented in conjunction with an exhibition featuring artworks by African American artists. The Community Gala committee uses funds raised by the event to purchase artwork by an African American artist for the museum’s permanent collection.

Sarah Kohn, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions is available for interviews and they may be scheduled for in-person or virtual.