The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (commonly known as MoCADA) has operated as a Brooklyn institution since 1999. Laurie Angela Cumbo founded the museum in a Bed-Stuy brownstone, with the aim of using art to help revitalize the neighborhoods of central Brooklyn. After much support and growth, the museum now calls Fort Greene home and runs a variety of exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. MoCADA focuses on the visual arts to talk about the social and political issues facing people of color around the world.
MoCADA Are You You exhibit photo courtesy of Facebook.
How to get there: MoCADA is centrally located off the Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr subway station, and a number of other lines. You can take the 2/3/4/5/B/Q to Atlantic Avenue, the C to Lafayette Avenue, the G to Fulton Street, or the N/R/D to Pacific Street.
The details: Hours are Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. There’s a suggested donation of $8 for adults, $4 for seniors (age 65+) and $4 for students with a valid ID. Children under 12 are free.
SIT BE BREATHE WITH ME yoga event | Roy Rochlin via Facebook
What to do: The museum showcases a number of exhibitions: Check the MoCADA website for current and upcoming exhibitions on view. They also offer scheduled tours, which must be set up in advance.
The museum hosts a number of events elsewhere in Brooklyn. Events include film screenings, book clubs, writing workshops, and artist talks. Check upcoming events or keep updated through MoCADA’s Facebook page.
Soul of Brooklyn week, 2013 | via Facebook
What to do after: MoCADA is situated in the heart of Fort Greene among many other Brooklyn cultural destinations and tons of great eats. In just a short walk you’ll reach the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Mark Morris Dance Group, New York Transit Museum, BRIC, and the Theatre for a New Audience. The Barclays Center is also a few blocks from the museum.