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WHERE HBCU LEGACY, ARTISTRY & COMMUNITY MEET
Hosted by HBCU Arts™ and Castle of Our Skins, this week-long experience features powerful performances, curated gatherings, and unforgettable moments across the island.
WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE
A week of culture, connection, and creative power
LIVE PERFORMANCES & CONCERTS
Experience dynamic performances from emerging and established HBCU artists, culminating in powerful, unforgettable concerts.
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MASTERCLASSES
& PANELS
Learn directly from industry leaders through curated discussions, masterclasses, and real-world insights.
Explore multidisciplinary artistry from visual arts to fashion, film, and spoken word.
ARTIST SHOWCASES
& EXHIBITIONS
NETWORKING
& COMMUNITY
Build meaningful connections with artists, alumni, creatives, and cultural leaders.
CULTURAL TOURS
& ISLAND EXPERIENCES
Immerse yourself in the rich African American history and beauty of
Martha's Vineyard.
Access curated receptions, private gatherings, and elevated festival moments.
VIP & EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
2026 PUBLIC EVENTS LINE UP
01
SAT
AUG
Panel Discussion
Masterclass
Opening Concert
02
SUN
AUG
Church Services Presentation
03
MON
AUG
VIP Reception
04-06
T W TH
AUG
Artist Showcases
Talent Show
FESTIVAL VENUES
EXPERIENCE MARTHA'S VINEYARD THROUGH THE ARTS
Union Chapel
Oak Bluffs, MA
Panel · Masterclass · Live Music
West Tisbury Library
Vineyard Haven, MA
Artist Showcases
GRANGE HALL
West Tisbury, MA
Talent Showcase
A CURATED ISLAND EXPERIENCE
MARTHA'S VINEYARD EXCURSION
A seamless, curated Vineyard experience where you can simply arrive, connect,
and immerse yourself in culture, community, and unforgettable performances.
A seamless, curated Vineyard experience where you can simply arrive, connect,
and immerse yourself in culture, community, and unforgettable performances.
Curated Cultural Experiences
Elevated Access & Exclusive Moments
Seamless Stay & Meaningful Connection
JULY 31–AUGUST 7, 2026
HBCU Arts unfolds in tandem with CREDO—the Career Resource Entrepreneurial Development Opportunity—a transformative one-week arts intensive designed specifically for the HBCU community.
While talented HBCU students engage in a rigorous week of professional development, mentorship, entrepreneurship training, and collaborative creation, audiences on Martha’s Vineyard are invited into the public-facing moments that emerge from that work.
HBCU Arts & CREDO
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FEATURED ARTISTS
Meet our speakers and performers
Nea Maloo
Professor
School of Architecture
Howard University
Stacy Allen
Nia’s Daughters Movement Collective, Houston, TX; Lecturer, Stephen Austin University, TX
Dr. Jolie Rocke
Founder, HBCU Arts
Lecturer, Prairie View A&M University
Dr. Ciyadh Wells
Executive Director
Castle of Our Skins
Shawn E. Okpebolo
Composer
Blacknificent 7
Joel Thompson
Composer, Conductor, Pianist Blacknificent 7
Jessie Montgomery
Composer, Violinist
Blacknificent 7
Dave Ragland
Composer
Blacknificent 7
Damien Geter
Composer
Blacknificent 7
Jasmine A. Barnes
Composer
Blacknificent 7
Carlos Simon
Composer
Blacknificent 7
OUR 2026 SPONSORS & PARTNERS
Supporting the vision, culture, and creative legacy of HBCU Arts
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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
A partnership with Castle of our Skins and HBCU Arts.
WHY SPONSOR?
Support a one-of-a-kind week celebrating Black artistry, HBCU excellence, intergenerational mentorship, and cultural exchange on Martha’s Vineyard.
SUPPORT ARTIST EXCELLENCE
Helps underwrite artist fees
Helps expand public programming and community access to performances and events
ACCESS & COMMUNITY
Directly funds student participation in CREDO
FUND STUDENT PARTICIPATION
Elders Council
$20,000+
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Everything outlined below, plus...
-
Recognition as a Presenting Sponsor of the Festival
-
Premium logo placement on all festival promotional materials
-
Verbal recognition from stage during the Saturday concert
-
10 complimentary concert tickets
-
8 VIP Reception invitations (with guests)
-
Private meet-and-greet with featured artists and leadership
-
Opportunity to include branded item in sponsor swag bags
-
Dedicated sponsor spotlight on social media
-
Featured story or logo placement in festival email campaign
-
Option to sponsor a specific program element (concert, CREDO, showcase, excursion, or student scholarship)
-
Personalized thank-you gift featuring COOS/HBCU Arts merchandise
Jubilee Society
$5,000-$19,999
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6 complimentary concert tickets
-
6 VIP Reception invitations
-
Priority logo placement on website and printed materials
-
Dedicated sponsor acknowledgment on social media
-
Inclusion in festival press materials where applicable
-
Recognition during festival welcome remarks
-
Premium swag bag
Legacy League
$1,000-$4,999
-
Exclusive access to our VIP Reception on Monday, August 3rd from 4-6pm at West Tisbury Inn
-
4 complimentary tickets to concert at Union Chapel on Saturday, August 1st
-
Special acknowledgement in the Festival website and in printed materials
-
Recognition in sponsor thank-you social media post
-
Festival swag bag
All sponsorships directly support artist compensation, student participation, community programming, and the continued celebration of Black artistry through HBCU Arts and Castle of our Skins.
ABOUT CASTLE OF OUR SKINS
Castle of our Skins is a Black arts institution dedicated to fostering cultural curiosity and celebrating Black artistry through music. In classrooms, concert halls, and beyond, Castle of our Skins invites Black heritage and culture exploration, spotlighting both unsung and celebrated figures of past and present.
HBCU Arts™
Celebrating the legacy, excellence, and future of Black artistry.
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