Atlanta Visible Arts Incubator Goes All In For Bipoc Artists

Area Black Woman-Owned Visible Arts Incubator Goes All In For Bipoc Artists

Dionna Collins empowers artists via Atlanta’s most inclusive local community of sources for BIPOC entrepreneurs in the imaginative place Thursday, February 17, 2022

Nestled in close proximity to Knight Park/Howell Station sits Atlanta’s ComfiArt, an arts incubator plan that has quietly pushed artists of coloration to the forefront. ComfiArt is a just one-quit source hub that empowers visual artists with the needed instruments to monetize their artistic work.

“For many years, the recognition and achievements of Black and POC artists have lagged guiding, not for the reason that of expertise but, obtain,” states ComfiArt Founder, Dionna Collins. “Any artist could be the subsequent Kara Walker, Amy Sherald, or Victoria Villasana. Having said that, the affordability of management, authorized assistance, corporate partnerships, e-commerce integration, studio space, and local community
visibility keep on being hurdles for Black and POC artists.”

ComfiArt provides absolutely free membership and introduction to its community through, ComfiCommunity, in which “neighbors” have entry to special articles, digital networking classes, Q&As, downloadable sources, and early entry to ComfiArt situations. Nationally-recognized visual artist, Marryam Moma raves, “I have realized a good deal about the small business of art, branding, and studio management [through ComfiArt] which has specifically impacted my business and improved my income.”

More than the previous five many years, ComfiArt has nurtured a pick team of almost 100 artists by way of its signature method, Structure and Muse. The application aids artists enter the e-commerce place in progressive ways. In a a single-on-one setting, creatives are introduced to ComfiArt’s group of artists, coaches, professionals, lawful representatives, and promoting industry experts.

Contributors have reworked their primary artwork into wearable items, interior dwelling decor, holiday break wrapping paper, and an array of monetizable products and solutions — all unlocking possibilities for creatives to open additional streams of earnings. “Creating for ComfiArt Design and style and Muse permitted me to transform my visible artwork into wearable art,” states emerging artist Zarinah
Dennis of Bitter Darlings. “I sense [even more] related to the enthusiasts who’ve supported me, and I’m extremely grateful for the prospect,” says Zarinah.

As Design and style and Muse prepares for this year’s start, Collins credits its ongoing good results to Atlanta’s relentless guidance for Black and POC enterprises, woman business people, and cultural empowerment. “Our strategy,” suggests Collins, “is to make certain artists in every single one particular of our courses are established up for sustainable success and publicity to possibilities outside of gallery walls.”

ComfiArt also positions artists for corporate partnerships, mural commissions, business and peer-to-peer collaborations. “The collectiveness of the ComfiArt local community supplies BIPOC artists obtain to associations and methods that extend their viewers attain whilst closing equity gaps,” clarifies Collins.

In addition to supporting the artists by using development, Collins advocates for pay equity. “Many talented artists basically just can’t afford to rent a one-bed room apartment. We must lay to rest the idea of starving artists,” says Collins. Artist advocacy is a socio-financial empowerment device, and our neighborhood creatives incorporate layers to the fabric of Atlanta’s cultural group.

“From the preschooler dabbling in hand paint to the artistic promoting fantastic artwork, we all come upon the entire world as an artist of sorts. It is my objective to encourage the recognition of all artists no matter of classification, style, identification, or orientation,” Collins emphasizes. “This thirty day period, we stand at the intersection of Black heritage and Black prospect. We need to proceed the work of
our heroes due to the fact, that far too, is how we pay out homage,” states Collins.

ComfiArt kicks off its 2022 program, “Connect with ComfiArt: The Artwork of Organization,” on Tuesday, February 22 at 12:30 p.m. EST, through a digital satisfy and greet.