African American Art History Initiative

Multi-Project Initiative

Making African American art history more visible to the public and accessible to the scholarly community worldwide

Photograph of large, open room with three screens on wall displaying various figures and two black benches in center.

Installation view of “Blondell Cummings: Dance as Moving Pictures” at Art + Practice. 18 September 2021–19 February 2022

Photo: Charles White

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About

Goal

The African American Art History Initiative (AAAHI)—a program of the Getty Research Institute—focuses on the history, practices, and cultural legacies of artists of African American and African diasporic heritage. AAAHI aims to provide a more robust and accurate history of American art, one that will have a decisive impact on the narrative of global culture.

Outcomes

The initiative’s major areas of development include archive and library acquisitions, oral histories, and public dissemination through exhibitions, programming, and publications. AAAHI also supports two scholars in residence annually.

Background

About this Initiative

The African American Art History Initiative (AAAHI) was established by the Getty Research Institute to create a center for the study of African American art. The initiative has several major areas of activity, including acquisitions in Special Collections and the Library, as well as newly-created oral histories. It supports the generation of new knowledge through institutional research projects, internships, and fellowships in the Scholars Program. The initiative’s work is disseminated through exhibitions, publications, and public programs, and through partnerships with institutions across the country.

Projects in This Initiative

  1. Blondell Cummings: Dance as Moving Pictures

    Black and white photograph of person wearing light colored jumpsuit jumping in air with one leg bent and both arms up near head.

    Interdisciplinary look at the innovative work of choreographer and video artist Blondell Cummings

  2. Samella Lewis: World Building in African American Art History

    Black and white photograph of a female figure sitting on a chair in front of a chalkboard with a complicated line drawing of a color wheel, and various art works

    Bringing critical focus to the groundbreaking work of artist, curator, and scholar Samella Lewis

  3. From Vision to Archive: The Legacy of Paul R. Williams

    Williams sits behind a table and points something out on a 3D model of a house to another person sitting with his back to the camera.

    Bringing the work of this groundbreaking Southern California architect to the broader public

  4. Johnson Publishing Company Archive

    A woman wearing white shorts and t-shirt sits on the diving board of a backyard swimming pool.

    Celebrating and safeguarding a unique and precious record of American experience in the 20th century

Resources

News

Related

  1. Betye Saar, Working My Mojo

    Podcast episode

    Betye Saar stands in front of cabinets and shelves and behind a table bearing bird cages, clocks, and other objects.

  2. African American Art History Initiative Oral Histories

    Transcript