In February 2024, The Metropolitan Museum of Art will present the groundbreaking exhibition The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism from Feb. 25-July 28, 2024, at The Met Fifth Avenue, Gallery 999 in New York. 

Through some 160 works, it will explore the comprehensive ways in which Black artists portrayed everyday modern life in the new Black cities that took shape in the 1920s–40s in New York City’s Harlem and Chicago’s South Side and nationwide in the early decades of the Great Migration when millions of African Americans began to move away from the segregated rural South. The exhibition will establish the Harlem Renaissance as the first African–American–led movement of international modern art.

The Ford Foundation and Denise Littlefield Sobel provide major support for the exhibition. The Gail and Parker Gilbert Fund, the Enterprise Holdings Endowment, and The International Council of The Metropolitan Museum of Art provide additional support.

Many of the paintings, sculptures, and works on paper come from the extensive collections of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.

“This landmark exhibition reframes the Harlem Renaissance, cementing its place as the first African American–led movement of international modern art,” said Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO. “Through compelling portraits, vibrant city scenes, and dynamic portrayals of nightlife created by leading artists of the time, the exhibition boldly underscores the movement’s pivotal role in shaping the portrayal of the modern Black subject—and indeed the very fabric of early 20th-century modern art.

The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism will open with galleries that explore the cultural philosophy that gave shape to the New Negro movement of art and literature, a term defined and popularized by the movement’s founding philosopher, Howard University professor Alain Locke, in dialogue with W.E.B. Du Bois, Charles S. Johnson, and influential literary and music figures including Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and James Weldon Johnson. 

The Met has an extended history of collecting and displaying works by artists active during the Harlem Renaissance. In the 1940s, the Museum acquired several early works by gift from the Works Progress Administration (WPA), such as Jacob Lawrence’s Pool Parlor (1942). 

A fully illustrated scholarly catalog on the vibrant history of the Harlem Renaissance will accompany the exhibition. The Met will host various exhibition-related educational and public programs, to be announced later, while also pursuing community outreach and engagement initiatives. The exhibition is featured on The Met’s website at (TheMetMuseum.org) and on social media.

Jay-Z’s motto is to “Always Bet On Yourself.” His formula has paid off since he has continuously shaped the culture and broken barriers for nearly three decades. 

Now, fans can uncover more about his career through The Book Of HOV exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library. Variety magazine said the 40,000-square-foot exhibit provides a deep dive into Jay-Z’s life and career through seven themed “zones” that explore his influence on music, culture, business, and social justice. With a curated collection of recordings, clothing, artifacts, audio tours, and videos, this homage to Jay-Z is a must-visit for fans and enthusiasts. 

According to Hot New Hip Hop website, the installation presented by Roc Nation has already made waves online before its launch on July 14. “The Brooklyn Library put Jay-Z’s lyrics on display outside of the building to formally announce the exhibit. On the opening night, his wife, Beyonce, and their daughter, Blue Ivy, were in attendance. Additionally, Rakim, Questlove, Lil Uzi Vert, Fat Joe, and more came to show support.”

According to the exhibit’s website, the Book Of HOV is a tribute exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch, recognizing Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter’s extraordinary journey from Brooklyn’s Marcy Projects to a global figure. The multimedia exhibit explores JAY-Z’s global impact as a musician, innovator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.

The exhibit presents thousands of archived objects, including original recording masters, never-before-seen photos, iconic stage wear, prestigious awards and recognitions, and videos and artifacts from every facet of JAY-Z’s professional life. 

“Our goal, with The Book of HOV tribute exhibition, is to provide a behind-the-scenes look at a Hall of Fame songwriter and performer, successful business person, and a consequential philanthropist who has never forgotten the lessons he learned on the road to success. And the borough where his journey began,” according to the Brooklyn Library. 

The exhibit is free to visitors. To learn more about the exhibit, visit (TheBookOfHOV.com).

The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture is providing a round-up of free ways to make the most of the season. 

Public Art

Summer is the perfect time to explore over 600+ pieces of public artworks in the City of San Antonio’s Public Art Collection. All pieces are free and accessible to all, with newer installations by San Antonio artists including: 

• “Bloom” sculptures by artist Leticia Huerta at Southside Lions Park.
• “The Spirit Within” mural by collaborative artists Ashleigh Garza and Hailey Marmolejo at Historic Market Square.
• “Poet’s Pointe” by San Antonio artists Kim Bishop and Luis Valderas at 2509 W. Mistletoe. 

Art Exhibits

• The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture manages two gallery spaces – Centro de Artes and Culture Commons. Both are always free to visit. Currently on display in the Centro de Artes Gallery is “Soy de Tejas: A Statewide Survey of Latinx Art” by guest curator Rigoberto Luna. The exhibit runs through July 2, 2023. At the Culture Commons Gallery is “Between Yesterday & Tomorrow: Perspectives from Black Contemporary Artists of San Antonio” by guest curator Barbara Felix, on display now through November 18, 2023. 
• Now to June 29: Centro Cultural Aztlan is presenting Luis “Chispas” Guerrero’s “Metal to the Pedal.”
• Now to June 30: Salsa Diaz is displaying “Floating between Chaos and Peace” by San Antonio artist Alethia Jones.
• Now to August 11:The Texas Watercolor Society’s 74th Annual Exhibit is on display at the Kelso Art Center of the University of the Incarnate.
• Now to August 11: The International Encaustic Artists Annual Juried Exhibition: Wax and Wildflowers is on display at the San Antonio Art League and Museum.
• Now to September 3: Artpace San Antonio is hosting “We Are Quilted Together” by San Antonio artist Angela Guerra Walley.
• Now to September 3: The Contemporary at Blue Star is showing “Actions for the Earth: Art, Care & Ecology.”

Live Music and Concerts

• Every Thursday Night in June and July starting at 7:30 p.m.: Texas Public Radio, in partnership with the Department of Arts & Culture, hosts Summer Night City Live Music Series at Legacy Park. 
• July 4: The Heart of Texas Concert Band will close the 2022-23 season with the annual Independence Day concert, this year entitled “An Alamo City Fourth” starting at 3 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church. 

Literary Arts

• July 4 and August 1: The San Antonio African American Archive and Museum is offering Story Time in the Park for kids at Hemisfair starting at 10 a.m. 

Film Screenings

• July 8: The Mexican American Civil Rights Institute is offering a dive-in screening of a trio of indie shorts at Elmendorf Lake Park Pool starting at 8 p.m. 
• July 14 and August 11: The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts is hosting its H-E-B Cinema on Will’s Plaza featuring family-friendly movies. 
• July 26: The San Antonio African American Archive and Museum is presenting its Black History Film Series: Freedom Riders at the Magik Theatre starting at 6 p.m. 

Get Creative and Moving 

• July 15 and July 17: SAY Sí is offering Summer Saturday Studio Sessions for all ages between 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• July 15 and August 19: The City of San Antonio’s World Heritage Office is hosting a Farmers & Artisans Market which kicks off with a free workout class at 9 a.m. at Mission Marquee Plaza.

Find even more arts and culture events and learn more about the Department of Arts & Culture at SanAntonio.gov/Arts and follow @GetCreativeSA