
Chrysler Financial Pavilion
Chrysler Financial is committed to enriching the communities and
regions where we live and operate. Through our support of events
such as the African Festival of the Arts and Fiesta del Sol in the
Chicagoland area, we are able to implement positive, long-term and
lasting social change in the areas of financial education and
community advancement.”
View the new 2010
Chrysler vehicles and learn the smart financing options to
purchasing the car of your dreams!
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Film
Pavilion (Presented by ICE Theaters)

ICE Theaters Film Pavilion – Daily screenings of short and
full-length films that interpret the culture and experiences of
peoples living in all parts of the African Diaspora. A showcase of
films produced mainly by black filmmakers from around the world,
including a section of works produced for and/or by black youth.
Enjoy free popcorn, get free movie posters and learn more about
Black World Cinema, an independent film series available only at
your neighborhood ICE Theaters.
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Fine Arts
Pavilion
The Festival is world renowned for its assembly of artists from
around the Diaspora featuring original paintings, sculptures limited
editions, prints, photographs, and ceramics. Some of the artists
this year include Stacey Brown – festival artist of the year-
Emerson Williams, Uwa Hunwick, Bayo Iribhogbe, Frank Frasier, Melvin
King, Rondell, Nii-Oti, Akosuah Bandele, Marvin Sims, Ousmane Gueye,
Dana Easter, Dimali, Isodor Howard, Samuel Akainyah, and Dayo Layoe.
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Author and
Book Pavilion (Presented by Say it Loud)
Best-selling and emerging authors share their cultural
interpretations and the legacy of storytelling in the Griot
tradition. Enjoy author-facilitated workshops to learn marketing and
other aspects of publishing; spoken word, live readings, and book
signings featuring authors such as Felicia Pride, Bil Carpenter,
Sharon McGee, Erica and Monica Simmons of Double Stitch, and Third
World Press among others.
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Meet the
Artists Media Tent (Hosted by Swank Society)
Get signed autographs and take pictures with celebrity performers.
Swank Society will stream live interviews from their media tent.
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African
Marketplace
Shop with over 300 artists and vendors to find African goods and
find valuable treasures that make wonderful Holiday gifts. Buy
wholesale items and artifacts.
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The Drum
Village
Come celebrate The Drum. The Dance. The Experience, an exploration
of the influence African and African-American heritage had on the
cultural arts in Chicago for more than 40 years. This pavilion
showcases interactive music education sessions and cultural
performances rooted in African traditions; historical artifacts,
photos; performances; and demonstrations by artistic Drummers and
Dancers from around the world. Master drummers Olu Shakoor and Baba
Tyehimba Mtu lead sessions that teach drumming techniques. Bring
your old drums for re-skinning. A spontaneous and collaborative
environment encourages all to participate in the rhythmic experience
and share their gifts with others.
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Bank of the
Nile Food Court
Allow your senses to come alive as mouth-watering smells lead you to
a food court rich in delectable and authentic African-cuisine.
Experience exotic fare from the diverse cultures of Africa including
Egusi from Nigeria; Wolof rice from Senegal; Jerk chicken, goat-meat
and fish from the Caribbean; and other spicy, appetizing dishes from
across the African Diaspora. And don’t miss out on the distinct
Cajun and Soul foods from the different corners of the world.
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Beer and
Wine Garden (Presented by Wine Cellars Distribution)
Enjoy the full-bodied, refreshingly smooth spirits, wines, and
beers.
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Children’s
Pavilion (Presented by Target)
Youth of all ages can learn and enjoy games, music, dance,
storytelling, theater, arts and crafts all day long! Contributors
include: Hyde Park Arts Center, the Field Museum and other
family-focused institutions that offer fun, educational and
interactive programs. Many social service agencies will be
represented in the pavilion to provide answers to family, parental
and children’s questions.
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Spirituality Pavilion
Engage or observe sessions and conversations with African priests,
spiritualists, healers, nutritionists, and herbalists. Try the
diviners and other readers to uncover your hidden paths.
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Health and
Wellness Village
Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the Presenting Sponsor of the Health &
Wellness Village at this year’s African Festival of the Arts. The
company is also a strong advocate of getting our children to be more
active which is why they are hosting a Tennis Tournament and Clinic
for youngsters in the age groups of 9-13. More details on the
African Festival of the Arts Tennis Tournament for kids will be
forth coming.
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Cyberspace
Pavilion
This new festival educational center offers free seminars,
workshops, advice applications from technology professionals along
with internet, e-mail access and more.
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Quilting
Pavilion
The Nubian Quilters invite you to “ come and stitch with us!”
The African-American quilting tradition is centuries-old, dating
back to the American colonial period. Further, enslaved Africans
brought with them techniques of piecing, appliqué and embroidery.
The contemporary quilts of today can be categorized as art as
textile artist evolve the quilt making tradition. Come join us at
the quilting pavilion to learn traditional and contemporary
techniques of quilt design. Let’s keep the tradition alive!
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HipHop Stage and Pavilion
Designed to remind us of why we fell in love with hiphop in the
first place. Complementing the stage performances, the programming
is rounded out by exhibits paying homage to the beginning elements
of the culture; as well as discussions led by HipHop artists and
community leaders exploring Chicago’s music industry, HipHop and the
global connection, immigration, HIV/AIDS, raising Black boys and
more. Visit the pavilion and stage area to get the full experience.
Take a moment to reflect on the African influence in HipHop, and
leave with the understanding of why THIS is HipHop!”
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