Idris Ackamoor and Cultural Odyssey

Idris Ackamoor and Cultural Odyssey supports the work of jazz musician and recording artist Idris Ackamoor and theater artist and teacher Rhodessa Jones. The artists create, produce, and present work rooted in the African American experience. They present and tour throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, nationally, and internationally. Cultural Odyssey provides performing arts training and performance opportunities to women who have experienced the ill effects of incarceration and HIV/AIDS, and leads a consortium of San Francisco African American performing arts organizations, with the goals of providing mutual support, building organizational capacity, and better serving audiences. Support of Idris Ackamoor and Cultural Odyssey aligns with the Performing Arts Program’s Communities strategy.

Idris Ackamoor and Cultural Odyssey produces original work rooted in African American music, dance, and theatrical traditions. The organization’s programming consists of five annual productions performed before 5,000 locals; thousands more see its work on national and international tours. In addition, Cultural Odyssey runs The Medea Project, a pioneering artistic process that transforms the lives of incarcerated women through storytelling and performance.