ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Black History Month Florence enters sixth edition with expanded format

festival-fair · 2026-04-27

The sixth installment of Black History Month Florence (BHMF) is taking place until March 2021, themed 'Ostinato,' which emphasizes cultural organizing. Established in Italy by Justin Randolph Thompson, BHMF has been running for six years, mirroring the US Black History Month. This year, the initiative expands with 'Black History Fuori le Mura,' reaching beyond Florence. Notable events feature 'On being present,' a virtual exhibition in collaboration with Uffizi Galleries, and the YGBI Research Residency aimed at young Afro-descendant artists. Additionally, a solo exhibition by Kiluanji Kia Henda is included. The Black Archive Alliance, operational from 2021 to 2024 at MAD, aims to enhance access to African diaspora history, with an exhibition launching in February and a 'Recovery Plan' that offers a pop-up library of 500 books. Janine Gäelle Dieudji serves as the director of BHMF.

Key facts

  • Black History Month Florence (BHMF) sixth edition runs through March 2021.
  • Theme is 'Ostinato,' focusing on persistence in cultural organizing.
  • Founded by American director Justin Randolph Thompson, in Italy since 1999.
  • New format 'Black History Fuori le Mura' extends programming beyond Florence.
  • Virtual exhibition 'On being present' with Uffizi Galleries on 'black body' in art.
  • YGBI Research Residency results presented, run by Numeroventi and Student Hotel.
  • Solo show by Kiluanji Kia Henda curated by BHMF at Murate Art District.
  • Black Archive Alliance third edition will reside at MAD in Florence from 2021 to 2024.
  • Exhibition 'Black Archive Alliance Volume III (Emeroteca)' opens at MAD in February 2021.
  • Pop-up library 'Library on loan' with 500 volumes, currently at MAGA Gallarate, moving to Florence.
  • Library includes texts like 'Negro Ebreo Comunista' by Mauro Valeri.
  • BHMF Co-Director is Janine Gäelle Dieudji.

Entities

Artists

  • Justin Randolph Thompson
  • Kiluanji Kia Henda
  • Simao Amista
  • Patrick Joel Tatcheda Yonkeu
  • Jessica Sartiani
  • Jordan Anderson
  • Angelica Pesarini
  • Mauro Valeri

Institutions

  • Black History Month Florence
  • BHMF Cultural Association
  • Gallerie degli Uffizi
  • Numeroventi
  • Student Hotel
  • Murate Art District
  • MAD
  • Black Archive Alliance
  • MAGA
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Florence
  • Italy
  • United States
  • Bologna
  • Gallarate

Sources