First World Festival of Negro Arts. United States Committee. Press agent's files

1965-1966

The First World Festival of Negro Arts took place April 1-24, 1966 in Dakar, Senegal and demonstrated the cultural ties between African nations and the rest of the world, and the impact of black culture upon world culture. The festival involved the participation of forty-five African, European, West Indian, and North and South African countries. Conceived by Senegalese President Leopold Sedar Senghor, the festival highlighted black literature, music, theater, visual arts, film and dance.

The festival was held under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the government of Senegal and the Society of African Culture. While most other nations relied on governmental procedures to arrange participation in the festival, the United States formed a private, volunteer committee. Mrs. Virginia Inness-Brown and Dr. John A. Davis chaired the U.S. Committee and coordinated American representation at the festival. Broad based funding sources were the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Information Agency, Agency for International Development, foundations, corporations and private donors.