The Black Arts Consortium graduate working group connects Northwestern graduate students from across the university with interests in Black aesthetics. Founded in 2020 by Rikki Byrd (African American Studies) and Nnaemeka Ekwelum (African American Studies), the group has welcomed students from African American Studies, Performance Studies, History, Theater, among others. The graduate working group currently organizes three core activities:
- Study Hall – Each quarter, students in the group read and discuss a book of recent scholarship focused on Black aesthetics. Books are provided to a limited number of students in the group on a first come, first served basis. Study Halls are sometimes complemented by inviting the respective scholar to attend a discussion session, where students engage in informal dialogue about the text and related themes.
- Work-in-Progress – Many students in the group balance their research with creative practices outside of the academy, such as poetry, visual art, curating and arts writing. The group organizes work-in-progress sessions each quarter to offer students the opportunity to workshop a variety of work such as final papers, grant applications, curatorial proposals, films and more.
- Hall Pass – BAC graduate working group is committed not only to student scholarship, but also connecting students to the vibrant arts community in the Chicagoland area. Throughout the academic year, students gather off campus to visit exhibitions, connect with local artists and more.