Genesee County, MI — The Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School is excited to present the new exhibition Cliff Joseph and the Power of Art, opening Saturday, November 23 and on view through Sunday, March 16, 2025 in the FIA Contemporary African American and African Diaspora Gallery.

On August 28, 1963, artist Cliff Joseph (1922 – 2020) watched from the crowd as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech. The words and actions of Dr. King became a call to action for Joseph. From then on, he dedicated his life and art to unlocking the power of art and its ability to challenge, change, heal, and express. In the mid 1960s, he corresponded with Dr. King several times, who thanked him for his activism. Several of these letters are on view in the exhibition.

Featuring artworks by Joseph and other Black artists, the exhibition addresses themes of social injustice, systemic racism, and the experience of Black individuals and communities. From subject matter that spans from the antebellum South to our current time—the artworks in this exhibition highlight how artists harness the power of art as a form of protest, confronting inequities as well as uplifting and highlighting Black stories. The artists in this exhibition use their platforms to provoke thought, inspire change, and bring attention to the ongoing struggles faced by Black communities.

For more information on this and other FIA exhibitions, programs and events, visit flintarts.org.