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About MAAA

MUSEUM on a MISSIOn

What We Do

THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Los Angeles that educates visitors of all ages and identities about the arts through the lens of African American culture. Exhibits and programs at MAAA allow artists and their work to inspire new thinking about issues that intersect with the shared experiences of people across the African diaspora and beyond. The museum's uniquely accessible location allows us to exhibit the work of extraordinary local artists and bring meaningful art experiences to the public. MAAA proudly welcomes all visitors with FREE admission, serves as an important community gathering space, and creates educational experiences for students and lifelong learners.
preserving cultural HERITAGE

Collections @ MAAA

THE PALMER C. HAYDEN COLLECTION is a central part of the permanent collection at MAAA, giving the public insight into the life and work of one of the leading artists of the Harlem Renaissance. The Palmer C. Hayden Collection of 40 works at MAAA includes the John Henry Series, a narrative art series of 12 oil paintings by Palmer C. Hayden illustrating the story told in the Ballad of John Henry. The permanent collection at MAAA includes works from the United States as well as paintings, masks, batiks, carvings, and ceremonial objects from throughout the African diaspora.

Our History

THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN ART was established as a nonprofit in 1976 by noted artist and art historian DR. SAMELLA LEWIS and a group of academic, artistic, business, and community leaders whose goal was to increase public awareness of and support for African American art. MARY JANE HEWITT, a former professor of Africana studies at Occidental College, was instrumental in the museum's early years, serving as its Director in the mid-1980s and working closely with the museum's Founder, Dr. Samella Lewis. The museum was founded as an educational and cultural institution dedicated to the exhibition, interpretation, promotion, and preservation of art by or about people of African descent in the United States and across world cultures.

MAAA leadership

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Miracle McClain Bizira Eric Hanks Keasha Dumas Heath Paula G. Leftwich Alvetia E. Smith
Pencil sketch of Keasha Dumas Heath by Karl Jean-Guerly Petion at MAAA © 2014.
Executive Director
KEASHA DUMAS HEATH
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Jim CarterSuzanne JacksonLizzetta LeFalle-Collins, PhDClaude Lewisjill moniz, PhDLee C. SmithQuentin Strode
what keeps us going

how we operate

The Museum of African American Art operates based on memberships, individual donations, employee giving, corporate sponsorships, grant funding, museum merchandise, and event rentals to other nonprofits, professional associations, and community organizations. Since 2020, MAAA has been transformed by the efforts and dedication of its Executive Director, Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and experts in art conservation.
Media Coverage of MAAA

Special Thanks

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