News & Stories
2025
Mon 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 —…
Bridging Legacies Through Pittsburgh’s Vibrant Black History, Culture, and Thriving Businesses
When people think of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, its steel legacy and passionate sports culture usually spring to mind first. But with over 440 bridges linking its many communities, the “Steel City”…
Read moreJazz Notes: A look back at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Fest
I was about to make my first visit to the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF), one of the major free jazz festivals in the country. However, there was some anxiety…
Read morePittsburgh International Jazz Fest Celebrates Artistic Freedom
Janis Burley, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival’s founder and artistic director, did not, as might be expected, spend the eve of her brainchild’s 15th edition fine-tuning details of the concerts…
Read moreAugust 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…
2025 Pittsburgh Jazz Festival in pictures
Now in its fifteenth season, the 2025 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (co-presented by Highmark and Blue Cross Blue Shield) had downtown Pittsburgh buzzing with excitement this past weekend. Liberty Avenue…
Read moreThe Pace Report: “The Hard Road Is The One Less Traveled” The Christone “Kingfish” Ingram Interview
Welcome to this special edition of The Pace Report reporting live from the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. Clarksdale, Mississippi native Christone “Kingfish” Ingram not only is a Grammy-Award winning…
Read moreDee Dee Bridgewater, Keith David, and more celebrate jazz
This past weekend the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) hosted a three-day celebration with performances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Keith David, Eric Benet, Jazzmeia Horn, and more. Co-presented by Highmark…
Read moreA Look at the 2025 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Over the weekend, Liberty Avenue never sounded so good. A couple blocks on one of Pittsburgh’s main thoroughfares were blocked off to set the stage for the 2025 Pittsburgh International…
Read moreJar of Buttons: Kandace Springs & Beau McCall
Kandace Springs, recording artist, discusses the role of clothing buttons in her life. In conversation with artist Beau McCall. Recorded at the 2025 Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival co-presented by Highmark…
Read moreAND 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…
Jazz Festival takes over Liberty Avenue this Weekend
Jazz musician Dee Dee Bridgewater and actor Keith David talk about their love of and journeys in jazz ahead of the weekend’s performances. Grammy-winning saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Branford…
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