George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center. Courtesy of Visit Austin.
Museums, Galleries & Public Art
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center collects, preserves and exhibits African American historical and cultural material. The museum has two rotating art galleries as well as four permanent exhibits honoring African-Americans in Austin and beyond. It’s a fantastic place for the kids to explore, with a children’s exhibit on African American scientists and inventors. Plus, the Genealogy Center provides genealogy databases, workshops and seminars for free. Its galleries, dance studio, theater and genealogy center come together to offer a truly immersive experience.
Black-owned RichesArt Gallery features curated collections and exhibits from local artists and prides itself on servicing East Austin with a rich cultural arts scene. The gallery also hosts weekly community events covering everything from figure drawing classes to stand-up comedy and live music nights.
The Art Galleries at Black Studies at the University of Texas has two galleries dedicated to showcasing narratives of Black and African identities: The Christian-Green Gallery and the Idea Lab. Take a stroll through the contemplative, powerful and culturally rich exhibits. The Christian-Green gallery is open Wednesday-Friday, from 12-5 p.m. and Saturday, from 11-2 p.m. The Idea Lab is open Tuesday-Friday, from 12-5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only; book here. Admission is free.
Black Austin Tours. Courtesy of Austin Football Club.
Six Square is a nonprofit that preserves the art, culture and history of Central East Austin. They offer many wonderful programs and events that promote local Black artistry. Explore the area on a Black Austin Tour and follow @sixsquareatx on Instagram to find updates on live music shows and other events featuring Black creatives.
The Dedrick-Hamilton House was once owned by Thomas Dedrick, one of the first freed enslaved persons in Travis County. The home, built around 1880, was in one of the earliest African American communities in East Austin. The fully restored historic house now serves as an African American Visitors Center and retail shop. The Dedrick-Hamilton House also houses the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce. Stop by to see the Portraits of Our History mural by artist Ryan Runcie and the Reflections mosaic by Reginald C. Adams. Both feature important people, places and events in Austin’s African-American community. Every year, an honoree is selected by the City of Austin’s African American Resource Advisory Commission and added to the Reflections mosaic.
The mural on 12th and Chicon, created by Austin artist Chris Rogers, tells the story of Austin itself. The original mural was a long-standing fixture in the community and depicted mostly Black musical icons alongside Día de los Muertos figures. In 2017, the new store covered the installation in white paint, resulting in a public outcry. But thanks to community efforts and the cooperation of store owner Veronica Ortuño, a new mural stands proudly in its place. Commissioned by Six Square, and decided upon by community members, the new mural depicts great artists James Brown, Prince, the late local rapper Octavis Berry and others. It’s a great photo spot with a rich history.
Learn more about Austin art and artists here.
Janelle James at Moontower Comedy Festival. Credit to Kevin Garner.
Comedy
Austin’s comedy scene has exploded over the past decade, and there’s something to see every night of the week. Here are a few of Austin's funniest folks, but don't take our word for it - check out an upcoming show for yourself!
Chris Hills is not just a comedian but also a beatboxer. Much loved in the community, his sets are electric and animated, utilizing his wide range of talents. He regularly performs at venues like Fallout Theater.
Comedians Angelina Martin and Carlton Wilcoxson co-host the Buzzkill at the Buzz Mill show. Home of the Funniest Person in Austin (FPIA) competition, Cap City Comedy Club brings in national headliners alongside a steady roster of up-and-coming stand-ups. Catch an upcoming show from JJ Curry, who took home the FPIA trophy in 2025, or 2022 FPIA champ Tyler Groce, who now has his own comedy special on Prime Video.
Austin’s four families of improv — Merlin Works, ColdTowne Theater and Fallout Theater — hold comedy court at their respective comedy venues. Each spring, the Moontower Comedy Festival showcases the best we’ve got, alongside the best in the nation.
Find even more Austin comedy here.
Performance of "Fairview" at Ground Floor Theatre. Credit to Lens of Athena Photography.
Performing Arts
Ballet Afrique was founded in 2008 by China Smith as a cultural center for the African American contemporary dance arts. Now home to a dance academy, a professional dance company, a youth dance ensemble and community dance classes, Ballet Afrique is a bedrock of culture through movement.
Nestled in East Austin, the Ground Floor Theatre produces works by and for underrepresented communities and provides a performance space for companies that share their vision of uplifting the voices of local artists and writers.
Austin's All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Festival (aGLIFF) screens nearly 70 films — including features, documentaries and shorts — over two weekends, while also hosting exclusive online festival events like artist conversations, panels and master classes. The festival typically takes place in October; check the website for dates.
Discover more of Austin's Black performing arts scene here.
