Fade to Black marks 15 years with new AfroArts Expo in Montreal
Posted February 6, 2026 9:53 am.
Last Updated February 6, 2026 10:08 pm.
Fade to Black Festival returns next week to mark its 15th anniversary, introducing a new flagship program, Expo AfroArts, as part of Black History Month.
The festival runs from Feb. 4 to 8, both in person and online, under the honorary presidency of former Governor General Michaëlle Jean. Organized by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the event is now firmly established as a major cultural gathering in Quebec.
“This is the 38th anniversary of Black History Month, and the 15th edition of Fond du Noir Festival, so I wanted something deeply inspiring,” said Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Fade to Black Festival. Adding: “I wanted to leave people with not only inspiration, but something that can empower them and propel them.”
The anniversary edition introduced Expo AfroArts, a three-day initiative at Théâtre Colas showcasing Afro-Quebec and Afro-Canadian artisans through exhibitions, encounters, and a pop-up market. The program aims to create a space for dialogue, creativity, and community in Montreal’s Saint-Henri.
“Really original, authentic, and also connecting with like-minds,” described Oluwani Femi, brand development strategist for Montreal Vendors. “Being here, I’ve been able to see the level of work and passion they have put into what they are doing, and that’s impressive to me, because we don’t get to see people like this daily.”
To mark the opening of Expo AfroArts, businesswoman and former leader of the Quebec Liberal Party Dominique Anglade took part open conversation with Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Festival, highlighting the important role of culture as a space for memory and visibility.
“Dominique Anglade has inspired me so much. She’s a friend, and she’s inspired me every step of the way. She’s broken so many glass ceilings, and she is just a powerhouse,” said Colas.
This year’s festival also features film screenings, panel discussions, debates, in-depth conversations, music, dance, and literary events. Highlights include appearances by Senator Amina Gerba, Olympic champion Bruny Surin, soccer figure Patrice Bernier, former football player Ali Gerba, International Black Economic Forum CEO Kerlande Mibel, and festival founder Fabienne Colas.
“It’s a meeting about culture, human experience, people from all walks of life. There’s art, there’s wonderful products. It’s a unique experience to bring some warmth in this cold winter,” said Florise Boyard, the founder of Meya Beauty.
The Fade to Black festival’s Expo AfroArts runs from at 11:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday with discussions and panels with black leaders, and athletes at Théâtre Colas on Notre-Dame West.
For more visit fonduaunoir.ca.
