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International Week of Black Women In the Arts

Get ready to be inspired by the amazing talents of black women in the arts during International Week of Black Women In the Arts. Don't miss out!

Sunday

7–15

February 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFebruary 7-15 (9-day span)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYBlack History

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the incredible contributions of black women in the arts during the International Week of Black Women in the Arts! This week-long event, which takes place from Oct. 1-7, highlights the achievements and talents of black women in various artistic fields such as music, dance, literature, and visual arts. It was first founded in 2003 by Dr. Dorothy J. Dandridge to promote diversity and representation in the arts industry. Through this celebration, we can honor and appreciate the creativity, resilience, and innovation of black women artists around the world. Let's join together to support and uplift these amazing individuals during this special week!

TIMELINE

International Week of Black Women In the Arts Timeline

Harlem Renaissance

Black women began to shine in the arts during the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that brought attention to African American artists, writers, musicians, and actors.

Marian Anderson's Historic Performance

The famous black singer Marian Anderson made history by performing at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, making her the first African American to perform with the company.

Gwendolyn Brooks' Pulitzer Win

Gwendolyn Brooks became the first Black woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry, marking a significant milestone in literature.

Faith Ringgold's Feminist Art

Artist Faith Ringgold ignited conversations about race and gender through her feminist work in the visual arts during the Feminist Art Movement of the 1970s.

Alice Walker's The Color Purple

Alice Walker, a black woman author, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for her novel The Color Purple.

Foundation of Celebration

Dr. Dorothy J. Dandridge established International Week of Black Women in the Arts to honor and promote black women's contributions to the arts.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Week of Black Women In the Arts

Attend a black women's art exhibit

Support black women in the arts by attending an exhibit featuring their work. This is a great way to learn about different forms of art and support talented black female artists.

HOST

Host a movie night showcasing films by black women

Gather your friends and family for a movie night celebrating the work of black women in film. You can watch documentaries, dramas, or comedies directed by black women and have a discussion afterwards about the impact of their work.

ATTEND

Attend a spoken word event featuring black female poets

Experience the power and beauty of spoken word poetry by attending an event featuring performances by black female poets. This is a great way to support and uplift black women in the arts.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a workshop or panel discussion led by black women in the arts

Expand your knowledge and skills by participating in a workshop or panel discussion led by black women in the arts. This is a great opportunity to learn from their experiences and perspectives as artists.

CREATE

Create your own piece of art inspired by a black female artist

Channel your creativity and pay tribute to black women in the arts by creating your own piece of art inspired by the work of a black female artist. This is a meaningful way to celebrate their contributions to the art world.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Week of Black Women In the Arts is Important

It inspires future generations

By showcasing successful Black women in the arts, this holiday serves as a source of inspiration for young girls who aspire to pursue a career in any form of art. It also proves the importance and impact of representation in the media, as it allows young girls to see themselves reflected in their role models.

It celebrates and honors Black women in the arts

The International Week of Black Women In the Arts is a time to recognize and uplift the accomplishments and contributions of Black women in various art forms such as music, dance, theater, literature, and visual arts. This holiday gives well-deserved recognition and representation to these talented individuals.

It raises awareness about diversity and inclusion in the arts world

This event brings attention to the lack of representation and diversity within the arts industry. By shining a spotlight on Black women artists, it challenges society to be more inclusive and encourages platforms to provide equal opportunities for all artists regardless of race or gender.

Related holidays

MON

Mar 2026

Culture

National Black Women in Jazz and the Arts Day

A cultural observance on March 1 celebrating the contributions and achievements of Black women in jazz music, visual arts, and performing arts.

International Women of Color Day

A cultural observance on March 1 recognizing the achievements, contributions, and issues facing women of color from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

International Women’s Week

Empower and celebrate the women in your life during International Women's Week! Discover their inspiring stories and contributions.

African American Appreciation Month

Join us in recognizing and honoring the contributions, achievements, and resilience of African Americans during this important month of appreciation.

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