Black Creativity 2026 Is Underway at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Black Creativity 2026 is already in motion at the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (Griffin MSI) in Chicago, anchored by the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, on view now through April 19, 2026 and included with general admission.

Now in its 56th year, Black Creativity is framed by Griffin MSI as a long-running program that celebrates Black innovation while creating opportunities for young people to explore STE(A)M pathways through exhibits, educational initiatives, and public events.

The anchor: a juried exhibition with range and scale

Griffin MSI describes the Juried Art Exhibition as the longest continuously running juried exhibition of Black art in the United States, presented annually at the museum since 1970. The 2026 edition features nearly 200 works across painting, drawing, fine art prints, sculpture, mixed media, ceramics, and photography by more than 100 artists, including Chicagoland teen artists.

The format reads as a wide-angle look at how artists are working across materials and approaches. Visitors can expect a gallery experience built for discovery: many mediums, many voices, and a built-in youth component that keeps the exhibition tied to local emerging talent.

A paired opening: Paul Tazewell’s costume exhibition

Black Creativity 2026 launched alongside Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell, presented in the museum’s Griffin Studio, positioning a major figure in design and production as part of the season’s creative and innovation focus.

Still ahead: key dates to catch in February and March

Several of the season’s biggest public-facing events are coming up.

• Career Showcase: Saturday, Feb. 14 (9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.). Griffin MSI brings Black artists, scientists, engineers, and other professionals to the museum for one-on-one conversations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities focused on STE(A)M education and careers. Included with general admission.
• Bessie Coleman Flight School Curiosity Day Camps: Monday, Feb. 16 and Monday, March 2 (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) for grades 4–8, introducing aerospace basics through activities like flight simulators and origami airplanes, framed through the legacy of Bessie Coleman. Pricing is listed at $100 per camper ($90 for members).
• Black Creativity Gala: Saturday, Feb. 21 (6–11 p.m.), with live musical performances, dancing, a seated dinner, and access to the Juried Art Exhibition. Tickets start at $500, with proceeds supporting the program.
• Black Creativity Night Out: Friday, March 20 (6–10 p.m.), an adults-only after-hours event with opportunities to meet select artists from the exhibition, plus music, dancing, food, and drinks. Tickets are listed at $35 ($20 for members).
• Jr. Art and Science Cafes: Tuesdays and Thursdays in February for eligible schools (registration required), pairing STE(A)M professionals with students for hands-on sessions and career conversations.

A Chicago legacy with national resonance

Griffin MSI traces Black Creativity to 1970, when it began as a tribute to the culture, heritage, and contributions of Black artists, conceived with local artists and key staff members of the Chicago Defender. The museum notes the program’s early name, Black Esthetics, and its expansion in 1984 under the name Black Creativity to include a stronger focus on Black professionals in the sciences, along with educational programming and a gala that supports the annual season.

The 2026 season sponsors listed by Griffin MSI are The Allstate Insurance Company, Ardmore Roderick, and The Boeing Company.

All photos courtesy Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.