Current Exhibitions

Secret Codes Exhibition poster

The Secret Codes (Expanded Exhibiton)

2022-2024 National Tour

Curated by David Woods

Popular BANNS exhibition exploring African Nova Scotian quilt traditions featuring old quilts (1930-1960), popular traditional patterns, Underground Railroad Patterns, contemporary abstract patterns, picture quilts designed by artist/writer David Woods.

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R Fisk Facebook Cover

The StFX Art Gallery

Feb. 9 – Mar. 25, 2023

There is No One Story of Black Girlhood  features a series of Rebecca Fisk’s self-portraits. Eleven paintings depict Fisk’s childhood memories and adult experiences, calling attention to shared struggles within the Black Diaspora.

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Secret Codes Exhibition poster

The Secret Codes

2022-2024 National Tour

Curated by David Woods

This is an expanded version of an earlier BANNS exhibition called ‘The Secret Codes: African Nova Scotian Picture and Narrative Quilts’ (2012-2015)

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MacDonald-Brown Highland Cattle oil 1899

Discovery: the Art of Edith Mcdonald-brown, Africville (1870-1954)

Sept-Dec, 2023

Curated by David Woods

Works, illustrated biography of painter Edith Mcdonald-Brown (c. 1880-1954) of Africville

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Bannister Edward Mitchell Bannister photo

Hidden Blackness: the Art of Edward Mitchell Bannister (1828-1901)

Spring 2025

Curated by David Woods

Works, biography of New Brunswick born landscape painter Edward Mitchell Bannister (1828-1901)- the first artist of African descent to win a major art prize in North America (Centennial Exhibition Medal, Philadelphia 1876)

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Andrea Tsang Jackson Amelda's Paryer

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Mar 31, 2023

The Secret Codes (Exhibiton Expansion

Popular BANNS exhibition exploring African Nova Scotian quiltmaking history and traditions featuring old quilts (1930-1960), popular traditional patterns, Underground Railroad Patterns, contemporary abstract patterns, picture quilts designed by artist/writer and exhibition curator David Woods.

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David Woods Seaview

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

Eulogy

An exhibition of contemporary art on the subject of Africville 

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paintings and quilts

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Mar 31, 2023

Paintings and Quilts

An exhibition exploring the intersection of painting and quilts (paintings influenced by quilt designs, and quilts inspired by paintings)  

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IBE ANABANA Redemption Song acrylic on canvas 2022

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Jun 30, 2023

Emancipation Art

An online exhibition of contemporary art and writing exploring the theme of Emancipation as it relates to the history of people of African descent

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hARRY cromwell and Brent Williams Brent Wiliams

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

May 31, 2023

40 Places Called Home

An exploration of African Nova Scotian history and folklore centred on the experiences of African Nova Scotian ancestral communities founded in the 17th -20th centuries.

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Norman Cromwell

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

The Enchanted Village

BANNS is researching older works by Weymouth born artists and craftspersons  including Harold Cromwell, Ada Cromwell, Emery Cromwell, Norman Cromwell, Ralph Cromwell, Gifford Jarvis Sr. as well as contemporary quiltmakers and woodcarvers for a prospective exhibition

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Africville Rafting

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

Literary Anthologies of Writing

BANNS is investigating the creation of anthologies of creative writings from selected African Nova Scotian communities and experiences to be published over the next 5 years. All submissions remain copyright of authors. 

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DW PAINTING CAIN

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

ongoing (no deadline)

African Nova Scotian Art Exhibitions

BANNS is investigating the creation of a series of visual arts exhibitions on selected African Nova Scotian subjects over the next 5 years. Exhibitions will be will be developed on the strength of submissions received.

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Harold Cromwell Berry Picking Weymouth Ex- The Enchanted Garden

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

The Art of Harold Cromwell

BANNS is researching the works by noted Weymouth Falls ‘folk’ graphic artist and painter Harold Cromwell for a prospective exhibition

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Black Writes

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

Black Writes

BANNS is organizing a reading series by African Nova Scotian writers to take place during in African Heritage Month (Feb 2023) celebrations in Halifax as well as other locations in the province 

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Black Journey 2014

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Sept 30, 2023

I Have Known Rivers

BANNS is reviving its annual African Heritage Month showcase of members works that was first launched in 1987. The event will include art exhibition, readings, storytelling and performance featuring BANNS members.

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Africville Gulls

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

Eulogy: Writings on Africville

BANNS is researching the creation of the first ever anthology of creative writing from and about Africville. The anthology will include both contemporary and past works including poetry, short stories, storytelling pieces, drama, short prose

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Johnson Rd NP

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

Home: Writing on Preston

BANNS is researching the creation of the first ever anthology of creative writing from and about Preston (communities of Cherrybrook/Lake Loon, East Preston, North Preston). The anthology will include both contemporary and past works including poetry, short stories, storytelling pieces, drama, short prose.

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The Waterbearer

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

Canaan Land: an Anthology of Short Stories by African Nova Scotian Writers

BANNS is investigating the creation of the first ever anthology of short fiction by African Nova Scotian writers. The anthology will include both contemporary and past works.

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DW1983GottingenX

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

Gottingen X: an Anthology of Writings About Gottingen Street

BANNS is investigating the creation a collection of writings on the theme of Gottingen Street. The anthology will include both contemporary and past works from writers of any background.

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Spoken Word

Call for African Nova Sotian Artists and Writers

Dec 31, 2023

Nova Scotia X: an Anthology of Spoken Word Writings About Nova Scotia

BANNS is investigating the creation a collection of spoken word writings by African Nova Scotia writers and performers. The anthology will include both contemporary and past works.

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