Performing Diaspora

We need a logo that says this program is contemporary, innovative, international, African Diasporic, and the highest quality. This is the 2nd year of this program, which includes concerts, seminars, international artists in elementary schools, and intensive workshops. It is sponsored by a research institute at a university, which is well-respected for its book series, journals, and international conferences.

Performing Diaspora: Celebrating Black History Month through Dance and Music

What we need is a logo for our new initiative which is focused on Black History month,  the arts, and community outreach. This logo will likely appear on posters, brochures, websites, fundraising documents, t-shirts, and programs as a way to distinguish the program from the larger research institute. Below I have pasted some writing meant to describe the program in need of a logo:

Performing Diaspora 2009 is a celebration of Africanist dance and music during Black History month at York University and in the neighbouring community of University Heights at Jane and Finch (also known as Black Creek). This month long series of performances, workshops, seminars and community events serves as a catalyst to bring together university and community to celebrate and engage with African and African Diaspora arts and culture.

Performing Diaspora began in 2008 as the innovative flagship project of The Harriet Tubman Institute.  Located at York University in the heart of Toronto’s African Diaspora communities, the Institute’s aim is to strengthen the understanding and leadership necessary to develop prosperous, harmonious multicultural communities. This project reveals the continuing vitality of African peoples in processes of global migration, despite the legacy of slavery and its continuing racial injustice.

Performing Diaspora 2009 builds on the inaugural program, which involved local West African and Caribbean dance and music, to include several local and international artists.  The program events and activities will animate venues at York, University Height’s Yorkgate Center, and Jane-Finch’s neighboring schools. The wide range of performances, workshops, and special events will reveal, through the power of the performing arts, the history and culture of Africa and its Diaspora. In fact, Performing Diaspora 2009 will support the development of valuable educational tools to enhance student engagement with the Arts, Africa, and Diaspora.

- contemporary
-  innovative
- international
- African Diaspora
- highest quality

- nothing stereotypical
- nothing cute
- nothing too traditional