The UIMA holds one of the country's finest and most well-respected collections of African art, which is supplemented in the gallery by vivid textual and video displays. The African collection presents a well-rounded view of the artistic diversity found throughout the continent. In addition to world-renowned pieces from cultures in West and Central Africa, visitors will find works from all regions of the African continent in a wide range of media including figural sculpture, textiles, masks, ceramics, beadwork and metalwork.

The UIMA Education Department organizes a wide range of programs for audiences of all ages. Each event serves to further our mission of bringing the experience of art to the greatest range of audiences possible. UIMA Education staff members provide several school programs for K-12 students. Since the 2008 flood closed the former Museum building on Riverside Drive and made school field trips to visit the museum impossible, the UIMA has modified many of its educational programs. In particular, the K-12 programs "Widen Our World" (WOW!) and "Discover Africa" now travel to the schools, bringing students into close contact with hands-on art objects. In addition to its outreach programs, the Museum continues to offer special exhibition-related events such as artists' talks and lectures