African American Museum of the Arts

The AAMA is a not-for-profit arts facility dedicated to promoting multicultural artistic excellence and providing educational, historical and cultural opportunities to all ages, specifically the African American community, in visual, literary and performing arts; while encouraging interaction with the community through on-site and outreach exhibitions, presentations and historical research. Founded in 1994 and located in historic DeLand, the seat of Volusia County Government, AAMA is a unique and vital resource in this part of Florida. It is the only museum in the area devoted primarily to African American cultures and art. The museum houses a revolving gallery where visitors will find works of both established and emerging artists. The museum is also the home to a permanent collection of more than 150 artifacts, including sculptures and masks from countries of Africa. In addition to the visual arts, the museum founded the Little Theater of DeLand in 1999 to afford children and adults an opportunity to develop their dramatic abilities. With regard to the literary arts, the museum is researching the history of Spring Hill, the community in which the museum is located, for the purpose of writing a book.