Pittsburgh has always been a crossroads for many cultures. This rich tapestry enlivens the city and provides diverse opportunities to experience the artistic, cultural and intellectual contributions brought by people from around the globe. Among these rich cultures is that of African Americans, a community that has had a significant impact both locally in Pittsburgh and around the world.
The August Wilson Center for African American Culture (formerly known as the African American Cultural Center of Greater Pittsburgh) is a not-for-profit organization that presents performing, visual and education programs that celebrate the contributions of African Americans within the region and the impact of cultural expression from Africa to the African Diaspora.
The AWC's presentations include dance, music, art, theater and other cultural, educational and artistic events.
The August Wilson Center for African American Culture is currently in the process of building a new facility: a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary venue. With its future location at Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh, the AWC will make a stunning addition to the growing Cultural District, and a strong contribution to the financial and cultural regeneration of the city.
More than a museum, the new August Wilson Center for African American Culture building will be reflective of all aspects of African American culture. The AWC will include galleries, classrooms, a 500-seat theater, a gift shop, a cafe, and many multi-purpose spaces to be used for visual and performing art and expression, and which will be available for rental and use by the community .
While the new facility will house exhibits that help tell the story of how African American culture has developed, including both historical and current experiences, this is only a small part of what the August Wilson Center is about. The Center 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 life. It will bring together people from all walks of life and foster mutual understanding and appreciation rooted in the values and ideals that drive the evolution of dynamic cultures worldwide.
The new AWC building will open to the public in spring 2009.