The Aotearoa Festival of Black Arts (AFoBA) is a new, visionary initiative that has been in development for over 18 months. It was conceived and is being produced by Black Creatives Aotearoa (BCA) — the only organisation in Aotearoa dedicated to elevating, amplifying, and advocating for Afro-Kiwi and Black creative communities across multiple art forms.

AFoBA’s kaupapa is to centre Black joy, creativity, and connection. It exists to celebrate the artistic excellence of Black and Afro-diasporic communities in Aotearoa while building bridges with Tangata Whenua and the wider public. The festival is designed as a biennial gathering combining live performance, visual art, music, film, and literature to showcase the breadth and brilliance of Black artistry.

Over the past 18 months, the AFoBA team — a collective of artists, producers, cultural leaders, and community collaborators — has undertaken extensive consultation and planning. This has included community hui, curatorial development, partnership building with key arts institutions, and the creation of a long-term roadmap toward the first full festival season.

AFoBA will be presented every two years, with programming structured around four key streams:

1. Visibility & Celebration – presenting high-quality, accessible events that showcase Black artists and engage diverse audiences.

2. Capability Building – delivering mentorships, workshops, and professional pathways for artists and producers.

3. Outreach & Engagement – connecting communities through free public activations, school programmes, and collaborations with local organisations.

4. Ambassadorship & Leadership – cultivating champions and partnerships that ensure lasting visibility for Black creativity in Aotearoa.

At its heart, AFoBA is a movement for representation, empowerment, and belonging. It will serve as both a celebration and a legacy — honouring the histories, talents, and futures of Black artists while enriching the cultural landscape of Aotearoa for all.