BLACK ARTS/WEST (1969-1980)

BLACK ARTS/WEST (1969-1980)

Black Arts/West was Seattle’s first black theatre, eventually became a nationally known entity across the United States.

Evolving out of the Civil Rights-Black Power movements of the 1960s, it was founded by Douglas Q.

Barnett in 1969.

Black Arts/West functioned as a three component program: theatre, dance, and an art gallery displaying the work of local and national artists.

As a division of the Central Area Motivation Program, an anti-poverty agency, it was charged with getting young people involved and learning the necessary skills to survive and flourish in society.

The program was able to attract a host of young people who thrived on the discipline and skills imparted by a top notch professional staff including Lorna Richards, Eve Green, Professor Abraham “Dumi” Mariare and others.