ABOUT

The National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment (NCBAE) is a membership-based organization that was formally established in 2020 with the vision of bringing together Black artists of all genres to support, elevate, celebrate, develop, teach, and learn from one another. Its founder, Daphney Thomas, sought to take a multidisciplinary and more unified approach to navigating through the arts & entertainment industry.

The organization convenes its members annually at the NCBAE National Conference, providing a community of support, resources, mentorship, wisdom and empowering spaces to help members thrive. NCBAE welcomes creatives from across the nation, including artists, instrumentalists, drama/theater professionals, photographers, MUAs, stylists, hair stylists/barbers, producers, film makers, and arts institutions. Embedded in our work and purpose is our commitment to use our platform to empower youth with our Community Impact work. Through our pillars: Service, Education, and Community Engagement we are intentional about encouraging our members and creating opportunities for them to use their powers for good and leave an everlasting positive imprint on the next generation of creatives via programming, community events, and more! 

NCBAE is also committed to supporting member organizations with their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts through consulting and insight. In 2023, with great support from its board members, NCBAE announced its headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, and launched into relationship building, strategic planning, and establishing itself as an impactful organization.

Mission

NCBAE is a 501c3 organization dedicated to convene, connect, and celebrate Black people in the arts and entertainment industry. Our mission revolves around using #InfluenceForPositiveImpact, with pillars of service, education, and community engagement at the heart of our work. 

We EMPOWER Black creativity.

We AMPLIFY Black voices.

Vision

Our vision at the National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment is to cultivate a thriving and equitable arts and entertainment industry where Black talent is celebrated, empowered, and fully represented. We envision a future where our collective efforts foster a vibrant community of Black creatives who inspire, educate, and uplift audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark of cultural enrichment and positive transformation

Who we serve

NCBAE welcomes creatives across the nation, including arts academics, instrumentalists, drama/theater professionals, photographers, visual artists, MUAs, stylists, hair stylists/barbers, producers, film makers, and arts institutions. We provide a community of support, resources, connection to mentors, wisdom and empowering spaces/events to help our members thrive and CREATE! As an organization we also use our platform to serve the community at large including programming designed for youth and families. 

about our founder

Daphney Thomas - Founder

Daphney Thomas founded The National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment (NCBAE) in 2020 with a mission to address the systemic issues that have historically prevented Black artists from achieving success and recognition in the arts and entertainment industry.

Having worked and volunteered in various arts organizations throughout her career, Daphney witnessed firsthand the disparities in organizational culture and representation on stages and fine art spaces. She recognized the need for a space that could bring together Black artists of all genres to support, elevate, celebrate, and learn from one another. Daphney's experiences, both positive and challenging, have fueled her drive to make NCBAE a force for positive change in the industry.

She is also the Founder/Creative Director for the Midwest Regional Sweet & Natural Fest. With a background in Community Engagement, Program Coordination & Management, and PR consulting for small businesses, she has over a decade of small business ownership. Daphney serves on several committees and volunteers for the Taft Museum of Art and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Daphney Thomas, founder