What is the purpose of the new August Wilson Center for African American Culture?
More than a museum, the August Wilson Center for African American Culture’s new facility will reflect all aspects of African American culture. The AWC will serve as a hub for people celebrating and experiencing the on-going contributions of African Americans—in music, theater, dance, science, athletics, business and many other aspects of American culture. It will bring together people from all walks of life, of all ages, and will foster mutual understanding and appreciation rooted in the values and ideals that drive the evolution of dynamic cultures worldwide.
Is the August Wilson Center for African American Culture the same thing as the African American Cultural Center of Greater Pittsburgh?
Yes. The August Wilson Center for African American Culture (AWC) is the new name of the African American Cultural Center (AACC). The center was renamed in honor of August Wilson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who was born and raised in Pittsburgh. As a fitting tribute to Wilson, who died in 2005 at age 60, the center adopted its new name on February 17, 2006. The only thing that has changed about the center is the name. The mission and the purpose remain the same.
Where will the August Wilson Center for African American Culture be located?
The two-story building will be located on the eastern edge of Downtown Pittsburgh at the corner of Liberty Avenue, 10th Street and William Penn Way-diagonally across from the Westin Convention Center hotel. This stunning icon, which will serve to anchor the eastern border of the Cultural District, will change the face of Downtown Pittsburgh.
Has construction started, and when will the Center be open?
Ground will be broken and construction will begin on the currently vacant site in mid-2006. The Center is scheduled to open in spring 2009.
How is the project being paid for?
The construction of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture facility is a public/private partnership. The AWC is currently engaged in a Capital Campaign to raise $35.9 million and $5 million for endowment.
If you are interested in contributing, click here.
Who is the architect?
San Francisco-based architect Allison G. Williams, an African American, designed the building. Ms. Williams is a principal at the international design firm Perkins+Will.
What is going to happen in the new building?
More than a museum, the AWC will house a vibrant mix of cultural activities through engaging and inter-disciplinary presentations. Welcoming yet provocative, the August Wilson Center for African American Culture will bring together people from all cultural backgrounds and of all ages.
What are some features of the building?
The expansive 67,000-square-foot facility will feature:
Will the August Wilson Center for African American Culture have an artist-in-residence program?
An artist-in-residence program is in the plans and fulfills our mission to serve as an incubator for new art and artistic production for emerging artists and to support artists in their creative production and experimentation.
As we continue to develop our program plans, a complete prospectus for an artist-in-residence program will develop.
Those interested in artist-in-residence programs should continue to check our Web site for additional information in the coming months.
I understand the August Wilson Center for African American Culture presents programs now. Where do these presentations occur if the Center does not currently have its own facility?
The AWC is actually in its third acclaimed season of programming which includes a diverse mix of dance, theater, spoken word, and visual arts, and features Pittsburgh-based as well as national artists. Productions are presented and co-presented at theaters in the Cultural District and in other neighborhoods. The AWC also recently opened an art gallery at 209 Ninth Street in the Cultural District, Downtown.
Click here to see a listing of our current and previous events!
How can I learn about AWC performances and exhibits, how to get tickets, and how can I stay updated on all its activities?
There are several ways to stay connected with what’s going on at the AWC:
How can I help?
There are many ways that you can help the AWC project:
How can I make a contribution to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture?
The AWC is pleased to accept tax-deductible gifts for its operating fund. You may contribute on-line by clicking on the "contribute" section of this Web site, or call the Development Office at 412-258-2708 for other options. The August Wilson Center for African American Culture graciously accepts gifts of appreciated stock, and encourages donors to inquire with their employer if the company has a Matching Gift Program--which will double the amount of your gift.
Are there volunteer opportunities with the August Wilson Center for African American Culture?
Once the facility is open, there will be ample volunteer opportunities and full details about the volunteer program will be made available.
In the meantime, we are thrilled to include those who wish to get involved in as many ways as possible. Current volunteer opportunities include:
For more information about volunteer opportunities, please email us with your interest at info@africanaculture.org.
How can I submit information to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture’s Web site, particularly the local events page?
Individuals and organizations interested in having their events considered for inclusion on the local events page should submit an email inquiry to info@augustwilsoncenter.org. Please note, the event should have significance to African American culture or other cultures represented throughout the African Diaspora. The decision to select events for inclusion on the Web site is solely up to the discretion of the August Wilson Center for African American Culture.
Additionally, any questions, comments, concerns and compliments from the general public can be emailed to the above address.