Uplifting a new generation of Black Artists in Appalachia.
What We Do
Uplift and celebrate the unique and beautiful culture of Affrilachian people.
Cultivate an Affrilachian artists’ roster, supporting them in the development, workshopping and staging of their art.
Codify through art and story the rich history of Affrilachians in this place and space.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to uplift a new generation of Black Artists in Appalachia. The Affrilachian Arts Institute utilizes history and creative practices to disrupt the dominant narrative of the region we call home. We strive to strengthen the sense of belonging to place and culture for Black Artists.
About Us
The Affrilachian Arts Institute (AAI) deploys a framework of Art, Land and History to uplift Black Artists within Appalachia. AAI strengthens the sense of belonging to place and culture for Black Artists while providing them opportunities to thrive, mentally, physically and creatively, here in Appalachia.
AFFRILACHIAN::
A person of African descent who comes from or lives in the region of Appalachia.
People of African descent have, as a consequence of Colonialism abroad in Africa and here in Turtle Island (aka North America) been present in Appalachia for hundereds of years.
We have been enslaved and free, soldiers and revolutionary thinkers, artists and craftsmen, teachers and athletes.
To be Affrilachian is to be connected to your home and history through love and bigotry, community and isolation, and throughout it all, resistance and struggle.
Affrilachian artists have a unique history, relationship to modern political and cultural struggle, and cultural identity, all of which we plan to showcase to the world.
Malcolm Davis
Founder of Affrilachian Arts
Malcolm Davis is a proud Affrilachian born and raised in Kentucky. He is a theatre practitioner, facilitator, and youth advocate. He founded the Affrilachian Arts Institute to build Black Arts infrastructure for a new generation of artists across Appalachia. Malcolm regularly performs his original work highlighting Kentucky's Black heroes and was a featured storyteller at the Smithsonian Folklife festival this summer in DC. He is a member of Alternate Roots and serves on the Steering Committee for the Waymakers Collective. Malcolm is a true outdoorsman and adventurer who loves sharing the natural beauty of his Kentucky home.
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