A new nonprofit arts organization called GRID Gallery has opened at 105 Wickendon Street in Providence, Rhode Island, with a mission to “to provide [LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC] artists with the tools, mentorship and community they need to thrive in an industry where their voices have long been marginalized,” reports Providence Online:
“We are creating a public commons space for Queer and BIPOC photographers, where they can find not just a platform to showcase their work, but also opportunities for professional development,” says Nacho Amor, the gallery’s executive director. “We’re helping these artists navigate the often murky waters of the art world, from getting their work in galleries to learning how to price it and network effectively.”
One of the key services GRID Gallery offers is its professional development programs for Rhode Island School of Design students and other emerging artists. Through workshops, mentorship, and networking events, the gallery equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an often exclusionary industry. Topics range from how to build a strong artist brand to the business side of art and networking with industry professionals.
“The goal is to provide these artists with the tools to succeed on their own terms,” Amor explains. “That means dismantling the barriers created by privilege, systemic racism, and classism that continue to dominate the art world.” …
Looking to the future, GRID Gallery has big plans. In spring 2025, the gallery will launch a lecture series titled Breaking Barriers: A Guide to Navigating the Art Market for Queer BIPOC Photographers and Their Allies. The series will focus on three key areas: building a strong artist brand, understanding the business of art, and networking within the industry. It’s an exciting opportunity for both emerging artists and those already established, as it will feature guest speakers who are leaders in the art world, all of whom are committed to shifting the power dynamics in the industry.
Read the complete Providence Online article here.
More: gridgalleryri.org
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