AUSTIN, Texas — Visual art in Austin has become an attraction for visitors and locals to enjoy. Murals, museums and galleries can be found throughout the city. Art is used to give a platform for creators to voice their beliefs and express themselves through their creativity. Additionally, visual art has been used to make social statements and pioneer for change. Black artists have utilized this powerful tool to build community, advocate for change and spread the message of Black pride.

A foundational movement for promoting Black art on a larger scale was the Black Arts Movement. The Black Nationalism Movement focused on music, literature, drama and the visual arts by Black artists and intellectuals. However, representation of Black artists throughout history is very limited. 

Many organizations have made it a mission to educate people about the history of the African American influence on the visual art scene. Art galleries, museums, showcases and markets are just a few examples of how Black artists in Austin continue to showcase work surrounding Black narratives and identities. 

The Art Galleries at Black Studies at The University of Texas has two galleries, the Christian-Green Gallery and the Idea Lab, dedicated to showcasing African American archives and material culture. The exhibitions allow you to dig into social issues displayed through art in the narratives of the African Diaspora. 

The George Washington Carver Museum is a big hub for Black culture in Austin. The museum has various exhibits detailing the long history of African Americans. The museum also consists of four galleries, a dance studio, a theater and an archival space promoting all forms of Black artistic expression. 

The famous mural at 12th and Chicon is a physical display of the history of Austin. The original mural, which included Black musical icons and Dia de los Muertos figures, was a landmark in the community. There was public disapproval when the mural was covered in 2017. This led to a renovation, with huge community effort, resulting in the new mural depiction of famous artists as an ode to the formal mural. 

The Austin Justice Coalition is another huge supporter of Black artists. Its annual art show, “Black Art Matters (BAM),” is a community event, with local music and vendors, showcasing the work of Black Artists. BAM artwork emphasizes social justice, Black culture and the Black Lives Matter movement. More information on BAM and other initiatives can be found at Austin Justice Coalition.