[our questions]

Who are our black queer forerunners in the twentieth century world (and before) of the visual arts or the performing arts?  What is our black queer artistic hope for the future?

[our story]

With a background in theatre and visual art, Harold Steward, discovered the need for something more the Dallas arts scene.  Through mentoring younger artists while involved as Assistant Director of the South Dallas Cultural Center, an idea was born for Fahari Arts Institute.  With a love of sharing life stories/histories in and around the lives of black queer people here in Dallas through the podcast, Mandrake Society Radio, J.W. Richard shares Harold’s enthusiasm and commitment to make Fahari Arts Institute a reality.  Beginning with a tribute to the life and work of E. Lynn Harris in August 2009, the work of this organization was born. Since then, the monthly events, “Queerly Speaking”, and “Queer Film Series” have been a regular buzz in the black queer community and local publications including the Dallas Voice and Dallas South News.

[our mission]

to celebrate, display, and produce the works of LGBT/queer artists from throughout the African Diaspora.

[our vision]

as we educate and entertain audiences with artistic expression from the historical and cultural of black queer people, we impact community health and mental wellness. Our work is also an act of resistance against one-sided view of lives of black people, one-sided view of queer people, and a view that art can’t or shouldn’t be political.

[our goals]

1. To educate and inspire new artists to create new work (whether abstract, functional, or political) according to their truth as LGBT/queer people of African descent.

2. To advocating safe, sane, and consensual sexual expression and offering regular HIV/STD testing.

3. To provide “safe space” environments at our events to encourage political, social, and sexual dialogue through art from the perspective of LGBT/queer people of African descent.