Celebrate BCAF's 10th Year

Schedule

Jan 13, 2024 | 06:30 pm

The inaugural BCAF Cosplay Soirée is an electrifying evening for adults aged 21 and above, where enthusiasts of all backgrounds come together to party, dance, and celebrate the artistry and creativity of cosplay within the world of Black and Brown Comix Arts.

Attendees are encouraged to don their most impressive costumes, paying homage to their favorite characters from comics, graphic novels, and popular visual culture, with a special emphasis on characters created by Black and Brown artists. The soirée offers a vibrant space for dance, networking, mingling, and sharing cosplay tips and tricks.

Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy live dance, showcases, and interactive activities that celebrate the diverse and exciting world of cosplay, comics and pop culture. It's a night dance in cosplay excitement, all while celebrating the contributions of Black and Brown creators to this dynamic art form.

The BCAF Cosplay Soirée is where passion for meets creative expression, fostering a sense of community and a deeper appreciation for the intersection of culture, art, and pop culture.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Mission Street, San Francisco, California.

Jan 14, 2024 | 01:00 pm

BCAFX Mental Health and Accessibility in Animation and Comics

BCAF’s Shawn Taylor moderates this exploration into the powerful intersection of storytelling, mental well-being, and inclusion. David Walker (Naomi, DC), Lorran Garrison, and Britton Payne (Nickelodeon) discuss how animation and comics can be transformative tools for discussing mental health, breaking stigmas, and fostering empathy. We'll also address the importance of making these creative mediums accessible to all, regardless of abilities, ensuring that everyone can engage with these vital narratives. Discover how artists and creators are shaping a more inclusive and compassionate world through the art of animation and comics.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco. 94103

Jan 14, 2024 | 03:00 pm

BCAFX Media Production and Representation in the Age of AI

BCAF’s Stanford Carpenter moderates this compelling discussion, with creator Keith Knight (Woke), Britton Payne (Nickelodeon), and Sean Brown (PECAN TV), that explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on media creation and representation. Discover how AI is revolutionizing content production, from automated storytelling to virtual influencers. Uncover the challenges and opportunities AI presents for diverse and authentic representation in media. Join us as we navigate the evolving landscape of creativity, ethics, and inclusivity in the digital age, where technology intersects with storytelling, pushing boundaries and redefining how we engage with media.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco. 94103

Jan 14, 2024 | 12:00 pm

BCAFX Exploring the EthnoGothic in Black Comics

BCAF’s Shawn Taylor moderates this thought-provoking discussion with John Jennings (Kindred, the graphic novel; Parable of the Sower) and Stanford Carpenter (Black & Brown Comix Arts Festival). Together they will unravel the intriguing world of storytelling, as creators explore ancestral folklore, supernatural narratives, and haunting aesthetics within the rich tapestry of Black artistry. Discover how these comics navigate themes of identity, history, and social commentary through a unique lens, igniting fresh perspectives and pushing the boundaries of creativity within the Black comics genre.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission Street, San Francisco 94103

Jan 14, 2024 | various

2024 BCAF Sunday Conversations

BCAF's Sunday Conversations will feature the past, the present, and the future in comix and popular culture.

BCAF Sunday Conversations are a series of engaging and thought-provoking discussions held during the Black & Brown Comix Arts Festival (BCAF). These conversations provide a platform for artists, writers, scholars, and the community to explore various aspects of Black and Brown representation and creativity in the comic arts and popular visual culture.

Attendees can expect panel discussions featuring renowned creators who share insights into their work, the importance of diverse storytelling, and the impact of their art on cultural representation. These conversations delve into themes such as social justice, identity, and the evolving landscape of comics and pop culture.

BCAF Sunday Conversations foster a vibrant exchange of ideas and celebrate the contributions of Black and Brown creators to the world of comics. They inspire critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and a deeper understanding of the power of visual storytelling as a medium for reflection and change. It's a space where enthusiasts and creators alike can connect, learn, and be inspired by the rich tapestry of Black and Brown voices in the comic arts.

BCAF is a festival of the Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation and is part of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations in San Francisco. USA Today's editors and readers selected BCAF as one of the ten best art festivals in the U.S.

Jan 15, 2024 | 11:00 am

2024 BCAF Expo

The 2024 BCAF Expo in San Francisco is a vibrant showcase of the rich and diverse talents of Black and Brown creators in the comic arts and popular visual culture. This dynamic event offers a wide range of activities to celebrate and promote their contributions.

At the Expo, attendees can explore an expansive artist alley, where they can meet, interact with, and purchase unique creations from comic artists, illustrators, and writers. Workshops and panels provide opportunities for learning and skill development, featuring discussions on topics such as storytelling, character development, and the social impact of comics.

The Expo also hosts cosplay competitions, live art demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with publishers, making it a hub for both comic enthusiasts and industry professionals. Throughout the event, there are engaging activities for all ages, ensuring that families and fans of all backgrounds can immerse themselves in the world of comics and popular visual culture.

The 2024 BCAF Expo is a testament to the power of representation and storytelling, offering a space where creativity flourishes, diversity is celebrated, and the comic arts continue to evolve and inspire.

Date: Jan. 13-15, 2024

Location: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

701 Mission Street, San Francisco 94103

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