BCF @ MSP​

Archival Exhibit • Panel • Performances

Enjoy a special evening of Art, Dynamic Discussion, and Vibrant Performances!

 

Saturday - May 10, 2025

Location: Minnesota Street Project Galleries, 1275 Minnesota Street, SF

5:30pm – Doors Open w/ Reception and Exhibit Viewing, 2nd Floor, SF Arts Ed Gallery

Spirit of Sankofa: Bridging the Legacies of BCM & BCF, an artful Archival Exhibit

An exquisite archival installation that depicts the narrative of two iconic SF Bay Area Festivals: Black Choreographers Moving Toward the 21 st Century (BCM), founded by Dr. Halifu Osumare and presented from 1989 – 1995, and Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now (BCF) co-founded by laura elaine ellis and Kendra Kimbrough Barnes, premiered in 2005, celebrating 20 years of presenting BCF! Designed & Curated by Visual Artists: Pete Belkin and Tiersa Nureyev.

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6pm – 2nd Floor, SF Arts Ed Gallery

Dynamic Discussion moderated by Dr. Halifu Osumare

The Dunham-Beckford Bay Area African-Haitian Dance Legacy
Featuring a powerhouse panel:

Dr. Yvonne Daniels, Deborah B. Vaughan, Dr. Colette Eloi, Elya Moore
 

Representing several generations of the Dunham-Beckford legacy, panelists will share memories and discuss the impact of the iconic Dancer-Anthropologist Katherine Dunham and Ms. Ruth Beckford, known as the Mother of Black Dance, and the
invaluable influence of the Dunham-Beckford legacy on Bay Area African-diasporic dance.

 

8pm – 1 st Floor, MSP Atrium Gallery

Site-specific performances featuring choreographers:

Byb Chanel Bibene

tara george

Patricia West + Aja Randall

natalya shoaf

Dazaun Soleyn

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Experience this special performance event as choreographers transform proscenium pieces into one unique movement journey that connects all of their works, activating the MSP gallery space, creating an intimate and poignant evening of storytelling through text, movement, and music.

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Cake & Chat event and more opportunity to view the exhibit, directly following the performances.
 

Tickets: $20 suggested donation
 

Seating is limited – purchase tickets in advance!
 

No one turned away for lack of funds
 

BCF @ MSP made possible through community partnership

with SF Arts Ed Project Gallery and MSP. 

 

BCF 20 th Anniversary Season made possible by funding support
from SF Arts Commission and Zellerbach Family Foundation.