Black Arts Festival returns

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Black Arts Festival is returning to a seven-day format for the first time since 2010 and moving to a new location for its 2015 celebration.

This year's festival will run Monday through Sunday, July 13-19, and be held in La Crone Park off West Patterson Street and Cobb Avenue in Kalamazoo.

The festival theme is "Ignite the Community" and includes arts and education programs for youth and adults, a history exhibit, games and activities, live entertainment, and a theatre production by Face Off Theatre Company, a new theater company founded by six women in the area.

All of the programs for the 2015 Black Arts Festival will be free, but donations will be accepted at some events and performances.

The event's sponsor, the Black Arts and Cultural Center, also is seeking donations for its Black Arts Festival Legacy Fund to help pay for the event. Donations may be made by visiting the BACC website at blackartskalamazoo.org or mailing donations to the BACC, P.O. Box 3505, Kalamazoo MI 49003. It is also accepting donations of supplies such as condiments, beverages, paper products and arts and crafts supplies.

For more information, contact the BACC at (269) 349-1035, or @email, or visit blackartskalamazoo.org.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.