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Black Art Matters

BlkArthouse connects people to to Black art and Black artists. We aim to increase accessibility and representation in the global art market.

$4,435
pledged of$25,000 goal
50
0Days Left

Project Description

What is BlkArthouse?

BlkArthouse is a mission-driven consumer brand for Black art and community for Black artists. We give people access to celebrate and directly support Black art and artists. We have an artist-first approach and a lifelong mission to creating a sustainable economy around Black art. We are proud to be Black-owned and women-led. 

Photo credit: Shedrick Pelt, sdotpdot Media

The Problem: Art is inaccessible, especially "Black art" 

BlkArthouse was born out of the problem it is looking to solve. 

The art world was built on exclusivity -- art buyers and artists alike face high barriers to entry through the traditional gallery system. For buyers, this includes unaffordable price points, lack of knowledge around how to find art to buy, and general intimidation.  For artists, this includes lack of networks, a steep learning curve, and a lack of institutional support. Thus, a large section of the population for both buyers and artists have been excluded from art collection and investment. 

In particular, art by Black artists only comprises 1.2% of art collections in major art institutions. As a result:

(1) Buyers have less access to engage with and invest in Black artists, leading to an undervaluation and underrepresentation of Black artists on the global art market; and

(2) Black artists have struggled to navigate and advance their art careers due to a systemic lack of community, education, and resources. 

Frustrated by the difficulty presented with trying to find and purchase art by Black artists, founder Tatiana Rice launched the BlkArthouse platform in 2020 to provide a space for collectors looking for Black art and Black artists to thrive. 

Photo credit: Shedrick Pelt, sdotpdot Media

BlkArthouse is bridging the gap: We bring Black artists from all over the world to your city and to your fingertips.

We're disrupting the tradition art system by utilizing a new model that utilizes technology and increases access. It's easy, instead of maintaining a physical location, we bring Black artists from all over the world to your city through our seasonal pop-up events and to your fingertips using our online platform, the BLKMKT.  No matter where the buyers or artists live, we use technology to connect buyers to Black art and artists. And by utilizing this model, we're able to maximize profits for our artists by reducing our overhead. 

We're Also Building a Necessary Community of Black Creatives.

To address the current systemic issues, BlkArthouse is creating an empowered community of BLKArtists that collectively work together to achieve racial equity in the arts through educational seminars, story-telling, and community-building events. To date, our BLKArtist community comprises over 170 artists, spanning four continents, we've hosted over 25 seminars, including education on topics like copyright, art contracts, and art critique, and launched a "Taking Up Space" initiative to highlight the stories of our artists.

Photo credit: Shedrick Pelt, sdotpdot Media
"Blkarthouse is the first time i've been in a program with a group of artists that look like me. Blkarthouse is truly dedicated to supporting and providing resources for artists to succeed and their dedication is evident in the platform they have created." -
- Anita Easterwood

Why we Need Your Help:

To continue our mission and pave the way for our long-term goals.

1. Your contributions will help us kickstart a series of art exhibitions and pop-up events (maybe coming to a city near you!)

2. Our staff are currently working on a minimum wage basis purely for their enthusiasm and dedication to the cause.  

3. To continue building out our series of educational seminars and community-building events.

 

Thanks in advance!

We can’t thank you enough for your generous support! It’s people like you who help to carry social movements forward.

Please share this campaign with everyone you know who backs the Black Art Matters cause. 

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

In the next couple weeks, we will provide updates on the following:

  • Shipping schedules for art prints and merch
  • Artists' names and info who will be giving studio tours, classes and art commissions
  • Artists' schedules for studio tours and classes

Feel free to message us with any questions at [email protected].

 

Check us out on social media!

 

 

09/24/2021
Raffle for artwork
$25
09/08/2021
Raffle for artwork
$25
Feedback Labs
09/01/2021
Merch!
$150
08/30/2021
Monetary Contribution
$10
Arleen
08/20/2021
Monetary Contribution
$400
Natasha Bryhn
08/19/2021
Merch!
$250
08/15/2021
Raffle for Artist Coaching Session
$2
Adeola
08/13/2021
Merch!
$50
Jazmine McFadden
08/12/2021
Raffle for Artist Coaching Session
$2
Bobbie Locke
08/12/2021
Raffle for Artist Coaching Session
$2
75.00 USD
Exclusive art print

Your choice of an 8x10 print by our talented BlkArthouse artists, Valencia Washington and Brandon Brewer. 

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2 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Art commission

Get a custom art commission with one of our talented Black artists. You will discuss the size of your artwork, subject matter, style, etc., when we put you in touch with the artist you pick.

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2 Supporters
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Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

13 Supporters
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25.00 USD
Raffle for artwork

Your name will be entered for a raffle to win an art print!

295 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Washington, DC
Created 1 Campaign
Social Good

Rewards

75.00 USD
Exclusive art print

Your choice of an 8x10 print by our talented BlkArthouse artists, Valencia Washington and Brandon Brewer. 

98 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
500.00 USD
Art commission

Get a custom art commission with one of our talented Black artists. You will discuss the size of your artwork, subject matter, style, etc., when we put you in touch with the artist you pick.

3 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care

13 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Raffle for artwork

Your name will be entered for a raffle to win an art print!

295 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward