The St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre has announced a month full of arts programming to celebrate Black History Month.
Located in the heart of downtown St. Catharines, the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is deeply immersed in everything the Niagara arts scene has to offer. With this, PAC is partnering with a multitude of vital Black-owned and operated businesses to bring accessible programming to the community during the month of February to celebrate Black History Month.
“The PAC aims to amplify and strengthen our community voice in order to help foster deeper education, inspire dialogue and remind us of the transformative unifying power of arts,” said CEO Colleen A. Smith in a recent media release.
Alongside a variety of screenings at the Film House, here are some of the most informative and exciting arts and culture events taking place at the St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre this Black History Month.
Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 P.M.: We Were Here – The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe Screening and Discussion
To start off the month, The Film House will be presenting We Were Here – The Untold History of Black Africans in Renaissance Europe in partnership with multiple departments at Brock University. The film sheds light on the often overlooked presence of Black people during the Renaissance period in Europe, examining their depiction in the works of some of the era’s most important artists. Following the conclusion of the film, Fred Kudjo, the film’s director, will partake in a post-screening discussion with those in attendance.
The screening will take place at the film house on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Saturday, Feb. 8 from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M.: SOFIFRAN presents Eternal Africa: Past, Present and Future
Eternal Africa: Past, Present and Future is an exhibition that will highlight scenes from African lives, portrayed through pieces of art and everyday objects to examine the past, present and future of Black perspectives. The exhibit will look at ancient civilizations, cultural traditions and historical narratives from the past that have shaped the African story. It will also shed light on present-day objects that reflect both the challenges and successes experienced by 21st-century African societies. Finally, the works of many contemporary artists will imagine new and exciting realities for the future, shaped by current relevant socio-economic challenges.
The exhibit opens on Saturday, Feb. 8 but will be free to the public until Feb. 14 in the Robertson Theatre.
Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 P.M.: Jully Black
Jully Black, named one of “the 25 greatest Canadian singers ever” by CBC Music, will be making a stop in St. Catharines to play a show at Patridge Hall on Feb. 12. While the platinum-selling recording artist has shared the stage with music royalty on many occasions, Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul will be bringing her powerhouse vocals and hilarious personality to the heart of downtown very soon.