Press Releases
2026
Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh Comes Alive with Artist Conversations at AWAACC
PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) invites the public to engage directly with artists shaping the region’s creative and civic landscape through a three-part Featured…
Yuma: Dancing Down the Magdalena River
Journey down the Magdalena River with us as you witness Colombia’s vibrant and rich culture of music and dance. PITTSBURGH, PA – Slippery Rock University based dance company, Palenque, under…
A Letter From Caleb Smith, AWAACC’s Inaugural Curatorial Fellow
Serving as the August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s inaugural Curatorial Fellow was certainly an enlightening experience. For many years prior to this fellowship, I would fantasize about working as…
A Letter From Sandrah Nasimiyu, AWAACC’s Inaugural Marketing Fellow
Marketing Is More Than Promotion. It Is an Invitation. Marketing is often seen as a tool for promotion. During my time as a Marketing and Communications Fellow at the August…
Registration for the August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s Youth Writers Camp Now Open
PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is proud to announce its upcoming Youth Writers Camp, an inspiring and creative space for middle and high school students passionate…
TRUTHSayers Series Welcomes Nia Sioux for Powerful Evening of Conversation and Reflection at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center continues its TRUTHSayers series with a special evening featuring dancer, actress, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Nia Sioux on Friday, February 27 at 7:00 PM….
Read 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…
2025
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…
August 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…
Ailey 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 —…
August Wilson African American Cultural Center Announces Hip Hop Art Camp with Artist Juliandra Jones
From graffiti tags to public murals, participants will discover hip hop’s visual language and design their own bold artistic statements. PITTSBURGH, PA (October 2025) The August Wilson African American Cultural…
AND THE WINNERS ARE … Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Announces Winners of First Annual Poster Competition Sponsored by Duolingo
Yeji Seo, a Student at University of Southern California, Takes Home $1500 Grand Prize; Peter Greenwood Is the Professional Artist Winner and Sofia Limena Wins Student Award Click Here to…
Experience The Electric Playground — Where Technology, Creativity, and Community Collide
August Wilson African American Cultural Center and Hazelwood Local present a free family-friendly event showcasing games, music, and innovation PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC),…
August Wilson African American Cultural Center Opens New Exhibition, Lavett Ballard: a Rose is a Rose is a Rose with Engaging Artist Talk
The collection of Ballard’s poetic assemblages exploring Black womanhood and spirituality are on view through March 29, 2026 PITTSBURGH, PA — On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the August Wilson African…
Hip-hop Music Camp Empowers Young Talent At AWAACC
Young artists dive deep into beat-making, recording, and creative collaboration From June 23–27, 2025, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center welcomed aspiring hip-hop artists and DJs to a transformational…
The 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Co-presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Presents An All-star Tribute Honoring Pittsburgh’s Own GEORGE BENSON Led by Jazz Guitarist DAN WILSON and Special Guest JONATHAN BUTLER Friday, September 19, 8:00 pm at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center
The Celebration Continues at 9:00 pm with the TASTE OF JAZZ PARTY, An Unforgettable Evening Where Foodies and Jazz Lovers Unite. PITTSBURGH, PA, May 16, 2025 – Foodies and jazz…
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center Presents Determined to Be: The Sculpture of John Rhoden Honoring the Late Artist’s Devotion to the Craft
The landmark retrospective introduces Pittsburgh to the prolific, globe-trotting sculptor whose rebellious thinking and obsessive drive helped reshape the story of 20th-century American art. PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African…
Dee Dee Bridgewater, Branford Marsalis, Bilal, Kandace Springs, a Pittsburgh Tribute to George Benson, Actor Keith David, Jazzmeia Horn and More Headline at the 15th Anniversary of the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Co-Presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield September 18-21, 2025, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pianist Orrin Evans Hosts Third Annual THE JAZZ TRAIN™ Bringing Fans from New York City, Newark and Philadelphia to the Festival, on Amtrak September 18 VIP Tickets and Jazz Train…
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center welcomes inaugural Marketing and Curatorial Fellows
Pittsburgh, PA—The August Wilson African American Cultural Center proudly introduces its first Marketing Fellow, Sandrah Nasimiyu, and its first Curatorial Fellow, Caleb Smith! Announced in the Fall of 2024, AWAACC’s…
Roger Guenveur Smith Brings Solo Performance IN HONOR OF JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center Thursday, February 27, 2025.
PITTSBURGH, PA, February 20, 2025 – The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) is proud to present acclaimed actor Roger Guenveur Smith in his latest solo performance, IN HONOR…
Save the Date for the 15th Anniversary Celebration of the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Co-Presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield – September 18-21, 2025
Tickets for THE JAZZ TRAIN, in Partnership with Amtrak, and VIP PASSES Are Available NOW at https://pittsburghjazzfest.org. Hosted by Renowned Pianist ORRIN EVANS, THE JAZZ TRAIN Departs September 18 with Stops…