general information

Address and Phone
Emporium Center
100 South Gay Street, Suite 106
Knoxville, TN 37902

Phone: 865-546-9705
Fax: 865-546-9705

Quick Information

African American Appalachian Arts, Inc.

Knoxville, TN

African American Appalachian Arts, Inc. is a non profit 501(c)3 arts organization that focuses on positive social and community development by utilizing creative methods of education through cultural artistic programming and development. AAAA specializes in the presentation and development of African cultural art forms in the African Diaspora i.e. traditional African art, Caribbean and South American and African American. AAAA's mission was developed from the need to provide the African American community and the Greater East Tennessee community incentive to promote social change through culturally specific artistic expression. This mission is accomplished by the presentation of African and African American arts and artists in performance, education, and exhibits. These endeavors create an atmosphere of support and understanding of cultural diversity throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee.

Kuumba Watoto Urban Youth Institute has been a seasonal program held weekly since AAAA's inception. KUUMBA WATOTO Youth URBAN INSTITUTE sponsors programs attended by 40-60 weekly participants ranging from 5-18 year old youth, parents, and persons of many ages from throughout the community interested in African drum and dance.

Over ten years ago African American Appalachian Arts, Inc. launched a bold initiative called Haley Heritage Square (HHS). In 1993 we commissioned internationally acclaimed artist Tina Allen to sculpt the 13-foot bronze statue of Alex Haley. The HHS International Literary and Storytelling Festival is an annual event which has been a great success for AAAA. 

Directions: http://www.knoxalliance.com/aboutus/emporium_directions.html