News & Stories
2026
Poetry Unplugged: Still Dreaming! Celebrates a Decade of Spoken Word at Awaacc
On January 16, 2026, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) marked a major milestone with Poetry Unplugged: Still Dreaming!, the 10th anniversary edition of its signature spoken-word series….
Read moreThe August Wilson African American Cultural Center will be closed on Sunday, January 25
Due to the anticipated winter storm this weekend, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center will be closed on Sunday, January 25. The safety of our visitors, artists, staff, and…
Read moreRead to Dream Experience at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Monthly educational residency designed by The Young Dreamers’ Bookstore to inspire children and families to connect books to dreams. PITTSBURGH, PA — The Young Dreamers’ Bookstore presents the Read to…
Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh Announces Call for Art Winners
Exhibition Opens February 19 at August Wilson African American Cultural Center. PITTSBURGH (January 13, 2026) – Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP), in collaboration with the August Wilson African American Cultural…
Chamber Music Pittsburgh brings early music “rock band” Ruckus and bass-baritone Davóne Tines to downtown Pittsburgh
Presented in partnership with The August Wilson African American Cultural Center and Calliope on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Ruckus and Davóne Tines will reflect upon the 250th anniversary of the…
10 reasons to get out of the house and explore in January: Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, Sad Karaoke and more
Join the August Wilson African American Cultural Center to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Poetry Unplugged series and honor the trailblazing life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Experience a…
Read more2025
Poetry Unplugged: Still Dreaming! Celebrates a Decade of Spoken Word at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center with a Pennsylvania-Based Lineup
PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) proudly presents the 10th anniversary celebration of the Poetry Unplugged series with this year’s edition, Poetry Unplugged: Still Dreaming!, sponsored by Citizens—a powerful…
Changes to Membership Program Effective February 1, 2026
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) wishes to inform our community of important updates to our membership program taking effect February 1, 2026. Membership Changes We’ve added free gallery…
Read moreAugust Wilson Center Community Day Celebrates Kwanzaa, Christmas
Sarah and Gerald Haynes posed for a photo with their 16-month-old daughter in front of Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, eager to teach her not only Christmas traditions but…
Read moreNigerian artist Peju Alatise’s sculptural installation returns to Pittsburgh’s August Wilson Center
Nigerian artist Peju Alatise’s sculptural installation “Flying Girls” was one of Pittsburgh’s visual art highlights of the year in 2018. The stunning, room-sized piece made its U.S. debut at the…
Read morePittsburgh’s People of the Year 2025 — Performing Arts: Janis Burley
When Janis Burley took over as leader of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) in 2017, she knew what kind of organization she wanted to develop. “My vision…
Read moreMon Valley native Tamara Tunie holds her heritage close to her heart
Tamara Tunie said she has taken her Pittsburgh roots into every performance she’s done. That heritage came full circle on Nov. 21 when the August Wilson African American Cultural Center…
Read moreDedicate a Seat at AWAACC: Claim Your Place in Our Shared Story
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) invites supporters, arts lovers, and community champions to become a permanent part of our history by dedicating a seat in our theater….
Read more15+ Things to Do this Weekend in Pittsburgh, from Light Up Night to Comedy in a Sauna
Fuel the Future: Take Center Stage Gala at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Join the museum to mark the 15th anniversary of the iconic building’s opening, to honor…
Read moreEnd of Year Gallery Closures
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) wishes to inform our visitors of the following seasonal adjustments to our public hours of operation during the upcoming holiday period. Scheduled…
Read moreNational Luminaries and Pittsburgh Trailblazers to be Honored at August Wilson Cultural Center Gala
While the August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s upcoming gala acts as a celebration, it also serves as a fundraiser — a way to support the nonprofit’s mission of elevating…
Read morePittsburgh International Jazz Festival 2025
The 2025 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival delivered a standout event this year. The outdoor stage stretched across Liberty Avenue with a two-day line up of artists that combined tradition and…
Read moreAugust Wilson African American Cultural Center Invites Pittsburgh to Celebrate the Season At Holiday Community Day, December 13
PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) invites families, friends, and neighbors to gather for a day of festive joy and cultural celebration at its annual…
Flight, Freedom, and Form: Peju Alatise’s First U.S. Survey I Will Belong to Only Me Opens at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
A sweeping survey of Peju Alatise’s sculptural and narrative worlds opens in Pittsburgh, blending Yoruba cosmology with contemporary womanist expression. Pittsburgh, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center…
August Wilson African American Cultural Center Will Celebrate Seven Distinguished Pittsburgh Honorees with Luminary and Trailblazer Awards at Fuel the Future: Take Center Stage Gala
PITTSBURGH, PA, October 30, 2025 — In recognition of the 15th anniversary of the opening of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) and in honor of what would…
You’re Invited! The Ebony Canal NYC Screening at Urbanworld Film Festival
The powerful story of Black motherhood, legacy, and healing continues to make waves on the national stage as it screens at the Urbanworld Film Festival in New York City, one…
Read moreFueling the Future: A Presidential Message from Janis Burley
Join AWAACC President & CEO/Artistic Director Janis Burley in fueling the future of Black art, culture, and community in Pittsburgh and beyond. In this special message, Janis Burley reflects on…
Read moreBeing/Seen Artists Explore Black Identity Across Borders and Rhoden’s Legacy
Artists from the Being/Seen exhibition share powerful reflections on diaspora, art, and the enduring legacy of sculptor John Rhoden. On Wednesday, October 15, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center…
Read moreElectric Playground Community Day Shines a Spotlight on Youth Creativity
The Electric Playground Community Day, presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) and Hazelwood Local, transformed Hazelwood into a vibrant celebration of technology, creativity, and community. Families…
Read moreAiley II Brings Alvin Ailey’s Legacy and Bold New Works to Pittsburgh, October 7
The future of dance is taking center stage in Pittsburgh as the August Wilson African American Cultural Center proudly presents Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance. Pittsburgh, PA —…