40th annual MOJA Arts Festival returns to Charleston with a vibrant celebration of black arts and culture

The MOJA Arts Festival, Charleston’s premier celebration of African American and Caribbean culture, will return from September 26th to October 6th, 2024. Produced by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs and the MOJA Planning Committee, this 11-day event will feature a vibrant mix of visual arts, music, food, dance, poetry, theater, storytelling, traditional crafts, and family activities.

MOJA’s offering will animate Charleston’s primary arts venues, including the Gaillard Center, Dock Street Theatre, Festival Hall, Charleston Music Hall, City Gallery, and the International African American Museum, as well as public spaces and historic parks including Brittlebank Park, Hampton Park, and a block party on upper King Street, with additional events extending throughout the city. The festival also emphasizes education through workshops for schools and outreach programs for seniors.

This year’s festival is enriched by the creative vision of Grammy Award-winning musician Charlton Singleton, MOJA’s Artistic Director. Singleton, reflecting on his new role, shared, “Being named the Artistic Director of the MOJA Arts Festival is a dream come true. From my early days anticipating the festival’s posters to performing with world-class acts, it’s been an incredible journey. I am thrilled to guide the festival’s artistic planning and elevate it to new heights.”

The 2024 MOJA Arts Festival poster features the work of Charleston native Demetrius Bing. Known for his unique blend of abstraction, Pop art, and street art, Bing’s painting “Sometimes I Cry” captures his personal experiences and growth through vibrant colors. Bing’s work has recently been showcased at The Gibbes Museum and will be featured in his upcoming solo exhibition, “Full Circle,” in November. For more on Bing’s art, follow @artofbing on social media.

Tickets for the festival are available online, with a mix of free and affordable ticketed events. For a full calendar of events and ticketing information, visit www.mojafestival.com.

The 2024 MOJA Arts Festival is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; the South Carolina Arts Commission; South Arts; South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism; the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; and the City of Charleston. MOJA’s initiatives are also supported by the MOJA Advisory Board and the Friends of MOJA patron circle, reflecting a robust community effort that includes individual and corporate donors.

Join us in celebrating a rich tapestry of arts and culture at the MOJA Arts Festival!

Click here for the 2024 MOJA Arts Festival Poster featuring artwork by Demetrius Bing.