It was founded in 1984 by Grace Channer, Buseje Bailey, Foluké Olubaiyu, Pauline Peters and DZI..AN (Dzian Lacharité).
[3] Jim also writes that the emergence of DAWA came at a time when ongoing debates about multiculturalism were common in Canadian society, and significant feminist and queer activism was happening across the country.
[8][14] Although artist Anique Jordan did not initially intend to set The Feast at this date,[14][1] the event honoured the 30th anniversary of the opening of Black Wimmin: When and Where We Enter.
[8][1][13][14] Four original members of DAWA, Grace Channer, Buseje Bailey, Dzian Lacharité, and Mosa McNeilly were in attendance.
[7][15] The exhibition presented mostly new works by DAWA artists and the artworks included various mediums such as paintings, photography, text, installation, video, augmented reality, and sculpture.