African Arts Institute

Image description: Cirque Kalabanté in a promo picture for their show Won'Ma Africa: presented by African Arts Institute in February 2026.

African Arts Institute (AAI) is a non-profit, charitable organization headquartered in Belleville, Ontario, steered by a team of directors, staff, and volunteers who are committed to the promotion of African arts and culture. AAI provides a platform where Africa’s arts, culture, and traditions are showcased and celebrated. We are dedicated to fostering inclusivity and empowerment, welcoming individuals from all cultural backgrounds.

African Arts Institute is located on the territory of the Wendat, the Anishinaabe, and the Haudenosaunee people. Belleville shares the shorelines of the Bay of Quinte with Kenhtè:ke (Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory). We recognize all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call Belleville their home, and support the need for cultivating a strong relationship together.

Our purpose is to advance education by providing instructional courses, seminars, and workshops on African performing, visual, and literary arts, and to advance the public’s appreciation of the arts by providing public performances, art exhibitions, presentations of African performing, visual, and literary arts, and providing a forum for qualified artists to exhibit, present, or perform their artistic works through participation in such events.