Creatives stand with the Black community in the fight against racism

(Image credit: Future Owns)

Black Lives Matter may not be trending as much as in recent months, but creatives haven't forgotten the importance of the work that needs to be done. The creative community is continuing to work together to produce fundraising projects, tributes, events and art in response to the history of violence and oppression towards Black people. Some professionals are harnessing their positions to make positive moves to amplify Black creatives within the sector. It is an ongoing project, which needs to stay at the forefront of the industry in order to enact real change.

This article pulls together examples of all the ways creatives are working for the cause, and ensuring the issue doesn't get sidelined. We are committed to being a part of the movement, and we will ensure we continue to amplify Black voices to help make Creative Bloq and the creative industry a more inclusive space for Black communities.

We are incredibly excited to announce we have hit 💥 750 x 12 week courses of therapy.⁠ ⁠ However this is not enough. We need to double this figure 📈 to cover all of the individuals who have reached out to us for this service.⁠ ⁠ With your help we can get there. Please share, donate, amplify and support.⁠ ⁠ 🖤 PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVEN’T LAUNCHED OUR SERVICE YET. WE ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF VETTING THERAPISTS TO ENSURE CORRECT SAFEGUARDING MEASURES ARE IN PLACE. BLACK MINDS MATTER U.K
A photo posted by @blackmindsmatter.uk on Jul 22, 2020 at 10:55am PDT

2 PRINTS FROM GLASHIER LIVE ON THE SITE ⭐️ 100% OF THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO COLOR OF CHANGE. - “Art as a movement is the change, its the record of our voices, the images we are seeing used to promote change are everything, the are the now to capture moments of brutality, to show strength in those who unite for the cause, they are the past to show us how far we have come, and the sacrifices people have made for the good fight.” - Glashier KEEPGOING
A photo posted by @keepgoing.world on Jul 20, 2020 at 3:07pm PDT

We have teamed up with @computers_puting @stop_youplay2much to organize Print Resource. We partnered with some of our favorite Black artists and Black-owned, Oakland-based publisher, Sun Night Editions @sunnigh.ed to create limited edition prints. Each work is available on a $100-$300 USD sliding scale with all profits going to the Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project @officialblmp at the Transgender Law Center @translawcenter and People’s Breakfast Oakland @peoplesbreakfastoakland. Prints include works by: American Artist @ivorytower_headass, Elliott Jerome Brown Jr @elliottjeromebrownjr, Aria Dean @lol_prosciutto, Nikita Gale @nikitagale, John Martin #JohnMartin, Frida Orupabo @nemiepeba, FUPU @fuckupayus, William Scott #WilliamScottCG, Sable Elyse Smith @sable_elyse, Kandis Williams @kandis_williams. Inspired by the work of many amazing arts organizers but most especially curator Meg Onli @monastictrio and Art for Philadelphia. Thank you Hit the LINK IN BIO to buy a work from these incredible artists and support some great causes. Prints are available until August 10th! Sun Night Editions
A photo posted by @sunnight.ed on Jul 10, 2020 at 10:17am PDT

Dear friends, I have no sentimental stories, no uplifting speech, we are all angry and exasperated. But here, I am fundraising with a series of 6 prints, . signed and numbered 40 x 60 cm Edition of 10 each . all proceeds will go to Peoples City Council Freedom Fund, helping to pay for legal support, bail, fines, and court fees for arrested protesters in the city of Los Angeles, as well as medical bills and transportation for injured protesters, supplies for field medics, and direct support to L.A.’s Black Lives Matter chapter. . If you are in the position to donate, minimum for each print is USD$100. If not, you sharing with friends and colleagues will be equally appreciated ✊✊✊ . Please DM. KIN
A photo posted by @kinbykin on Jun 9, 2020 at 11:15pm PDT

Our Freedom Fundraiser has now come to a close. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, contributed, or supported this project in any way - THANK YOU! Together we have raised £213,200.00 since our emergency launch in June, which has helped provide crucial support to over 26 global organisations & individual causes within the Black Lives Matter movement. None of this would have been possible without the support of you, our Earth Issue community. We give thanks to every artist who generously donated their work, everyone who has bought a print, shared our posts or helped spread the word. This experience has been a beautiful confirmation in the power of community, and our ability to rally together in times of need. Our intention with this print sale was to raise bail funds for the Black Lives Matter movement during the George Floyd protests, and for the 4Front Project in London. As the overwhelming response far exceeded our initial expectations, we expanded to include support for other causes recommended by our readership: Covid19 relief for vulnerable communities, therapy and legal fees for women and children of colour, food security, and urgent support for First Nations communities. Swipe to see the full list of organisations & individual causes we have donated to. Our work is not over, and in the coming days we will be reflecting further on how to ensure meaningful and ongoing allyship within our collective. We pledge to continue using our platform to amplify black voices through art and activism. We pledge to continue our fight against all forms of racism and violence and against people of colour.  We pledge to give social justice a central role in our conversation about intersectional eco-activism in the art world, and to keep learning and educating ourselves on how to be better allies. We pledge to create a safe and welcome space to all people of colour. We look forward to sharing many exciting new projects with you in the coming days. To stay updated, keep an eye on our Instagram page, or sign up for our newsletter. For collaborations & submissions, please visit the link in our bio 👆🏽 The Earth Issue
A photo posted by @theearthissue on Jul 1, 2020 at 9:39am PDT

I’ve been taking these few months since quarantine started to reset, rest, and really map-out things when it comes to Distinctly Creative (& my design business - @_morganeliz)⁣ ⁣ ⁣ …..so as y’all can probably tell I haven’t really been wanting to do any virtual events till I had a better idea as to what that looks like for me.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ……soooo I’m excited to be kicking it off with a FREE Zoom workshop TOMORROW from 6 PM - 7:30 PM ET as part of the @pgahc “Artpreneur Series”. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ I’ll be going over how to create an effective (native) social media marketing strategy by going over……⁣ ⁣ ⁣ understanding/establishing your target audience⁣ brand voice⁣ brand aesthetics (photo, video, graphics, typography)⁣ market research (in regard to social media)⁣ creating a social media content calendar⁣ & assessing your social media analytics. ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ To sign-up, you can click the link in our bio⁣ ⁣ ⁣ x stay blessed @_morganeliz (fashion + graphic designer, and founder of @distinctlycreative)⁣ ⁣ [Image Description: Brown & blue Ankara fabric background with birds that includes an overlay of a tweet screenshot]⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #distinctlycreative #blackcreativesmatter #blkcreatives #blavity #acreativedc #igdc #bythings #dmvcreatives #dmvblackcreatives #blackgirlmagic #blackjoy #blackexcellence #fortheculture #buyblack #hbcu #202creates #blackartists #blackdesigners #buyfromablackwoman #buyblack #shopblack #blackowned #creativebusinesscoach #businesscoach Distinctly Creative
A photo posted by @distinctlycreative on Jul 28, 2020 at 11:05am PDT

Diversify Photo has added 300+ new members from over 40 countries to our database! Applications were reviewed by editors from The New York Times, National Geographic, The Guardian and The Wall Street Journal. Check out our website to browse all the photographers in our database: diversify.photo/where (Link in bio) If you are an editor and would like access to our private spreadsheet with more info on the photographers email us at info@diversify.photo. These members were added from our 2019 Open Call. If you are a photographer and applied to Diversify Photo in 2020, we will be reviewing those applications on a rolling basis every 3-6 months. If you are not a member yet and would like to apply, head to our website and fill out an application at diversify.photo/apply (Link in bio) We've also added a new category of photographers on the site identified as “Up Next.” After seeing the immense talent from so many photographers that might not be completely ready for full membership, but were definitely just about there and should be getting work and looks from our audience, we created “Up Next.” Their work will be featured on the website and in the spreadsheet, in a separate area from the full members. Check out the "Up Next" photographers here: diversify.photo/up-next (Link in bio) Diversify Photo is run by a small team of volunteers. If you appreciate the work we've been doing, consider donating to support our operating costs: paypal.me/diversifyphoto (Link in bio) Diversify Photo
A photo posted by @diversifyphoto on Jul 8, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

ALL BOOKED but I’ll try and open up more times after seeing how the first couple rounds go. Thanks everyone 🔮For any BIPOC students, designers, architects interested in talking one on one, please DM me to sign up for “office hours”. Every wednesday for the next month, I’ll have four time slots available, 30 minutes each. We can talk about whatever you like, but since the times are pretty quick, please come with specific questions or topic. I don’t pretend to be an authority on any of this, but for whatever it’s worth, I might have some relevant cheat codes to share. DM me with your preferred date and time and I’ll send you a zoom link. If this goes well I’ll follow @esthermchoi’s lead and do some more public ones. First sessions start next week 🔑 Related, in 2018 @foodnewyork started @food__radio where we interviewed a bunch of architects, fashion designers, graphic designers, musicians, chefs and writers - majority BIPOC - to basically ask them how they made money. The goal was to hear from a bunch of people, hopefully some that look like you, about making an actual living by doing exceptional creative work. Anyway you can listen to all 40+ interviews @food__radio Dong-Ping Wong
A photo posted by @dongpingwong on Jul 18, 2020 at 4:24pm PDT

Meet Carlos Freire @carlossilas_ a multidisciplinary designer and art director based in Boston, MA and our weekly feature for #blackcreatives I am a multidisciplinary designer and art director based and specialize in digital illustration, animation, print design, brand identity, and brand promotion. I work primarily in the advertising industry and I enjoy the art of storytelling through motion graphics and animation. A few of my many inspirations are Raymond Pettibon, Aaron Martinez, Braulio Amado and countless others. Connect with me on LInkedIn: Carlos Freire :) designforblacklives
A photo posted by A post shared by @ on on Jul 22, 2020 at 6:38pm PDT

Posting this version for anyone that wants to share without the c/o. The previous post has a ton of studios in the comments. Let’s keep it going. 🚧CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS🚧 A live and growing list of BIPOC architecture, industrial design, landscape, graphic design, urban planning, fabrication... studios from around the world. About half of them Black owned and led. Please share. 🔮To add to the list: DM me or email: bipocstudios@gmail.com. Please include 1. Studio Name 2. City 3. IG // Optional: 4. If Black owned. 5. If Women owned. 6. If hiring 🚨For the young designers looking to apply to offices and seeing a ton on the list that aren’t labeled as hiring, send them your portfolios anyway. It doesn’t mean they aren’t hiring and trust me you never know where an office is at week by week, including mine. We do go back and look through past applicants when openings open up 📐We’ll continue adding new studios as they come in. For those that submitted that don’t see themselves here yet, I see you just give me a minute please. Still awaiting confirmation from a few of the big ones. For anyone with lists of their own hit me up let’s compile. Thank you everyone. Link in my bio. Dong-Ping Wong
A photo posted by @dongpingwong on Jun 6, 2020 at 4:21am PDT

I’ve been trying to process what can be said or heard in this moment. I haven’t been able to get the image of the knee on his neck out of my head. It’s there every morning when I rise and when I go through the ordinary duties of the day. While pouring coffee, lacing my shoes, and taking a breath, I think: He doesn’t get to do this. And now the video from the other angle of two other officers pinning him down. My heart sinks even deeper. His family and friends say he was a gentle giant. His death has now shown us he had a giant soul. If the largeness of a soul is determined by its sphere of influence, George Floyd is a Mighty soul. #GeorgeFloyd: We speak your name. But this time we will not let your name be just a hashtag. Your spirit is lifted by the cries of all of us who call for justice in your name! Oprah winfrey
A photo posted by @oprahwinfreyfoundation12 on Jul 30, 2020 at 2:51am PDT

Thank you my brother @j_ivy for this beautiful poem “WE Breathe” layered on top of my artwork. An avalanche of emotions run through me as I listen to it. So powerful and moving. What an amazing tribute for George Floyd 🙌🏻 Love love!!! Song performed by @sidsriram. “Parayuva” composed by Jakes Bejoy. Lyrics by Joe Paul. #GeorgeFloyd #RestInPower #BlackLivesMatter @blklivesmatter #WeBreathe #jaysonatienza #art #WeALLAreTheChange #poetry #poem #spokenword #song Jayson Atienza
A photo posted by @jaysonatienza on Jun 6, 2020 at 8:44am PDT

George Floyd’s life mattered. His killer, Derek Chauvin has just been arrested as he should’ve been days ago. Chauvin’s arrest is not justice, and his conviction will only be a fraction of justice. Black lives in this country are being destroyed by a virus of racism, fear, and hatred. It is up to everyone to take a stand and actively work to tear down this centuries-old pandemic. NOW. Art for @blklivesmatter #BlackLivesMatter #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd #JusticeForGeorge #Justice #JusticeForFloyd #GeorgeFloyd Nikkolas Smith
A photo posted by @nikkolas_smith on May 29, 2020 at 10:53am PDT

Yesterday, in yet another act of anti-black police violence causing mass outrage, George Floyd yelled “I can’t breathe” and pleaded for his life as a white Minneapolis police officer violently pinned him down with his knee on his neck. George died after. He was murdered in broad daylight. His death is reminiscent of the death of Eric Garner. Even with a crowd yelling at him to stop and while folks filmed the murder, the cop did it anyway, showing the massive injustice, zero accountability and white supremacy embedded in the “criminal justice” system. Heartbroken, angry and disgusted. This must end. Much love and solidarity to Black communities grieving another beautiful life lost. May George Floyd Rest in Power. Text ‘Floyd’ to 55156 to demand the officers be charged with murder. You can also call Mayor Jacob Frey at (612)-673-2100, DA Mike Freeman at (612)-348-5550 and demand justice. #blacklivesmatter #georgefloyd #icantbreathe #justiceforgeorgefloyd shirien
A photo posted by @shirien.creates on May 26, 2020 at 12:07pm PDT

Imagine everything that isn’t videotaped. Imagine all the unsettling and ongoing transgressions on our humanity, and of course much worse. I had to pause several times while making this, and come back to it. It’s unfortunate that in America people have to pretend like everything is okay. Everything is not okay. My feelings of frustration and hurt as a black person living in America have been one of the most profound experiences of my life. James Baldwin wrote about being black, that “you have to decide who you are, and force the world to deal with you, not with its idea of you.” What would it feel like to not be at war with your idea of me? Freedom. #justiceforgeorgefloyd #icantbreathe LÁOLÚ 🇳🇬
A photo posted by @laolunyc on May 29, 2020 at 8:15pm PDT

Say his name! @xenadecia @gretamclain @rbbreen @nikoalexander9 @maria.javier.98434997 @dog_bowl_repairman honored to have been a part of this tribute to George Floyd and to work with these amazing artists and the community #truthtopower #restinpower #sayhisname #georgefloyd #stopthekilling #icantbreathe #justiceforgeorgefloyd #blacklivesmatter Illustography
A photo posted by @cadexherrera on May 28, 2020 at 7:15pm PDT

No justice. No peace. One of the men 4 men who killed George Floyd has been charged with third-degree murder. It doesn't feel like a victory. A man is still dead and police officers know that most of the time, there will be no repercussions for the violence they inflict. When you see this whole image, when you don't slice it up into 10 small pieces, all that's visible is one long bar. Killing after killing that goes unpunished. That's why people are still protesting *after* the news that Derek Chauvin has been charged. It's not nearly enough. Let's go back to the start and look at the 25 times that police officers supposedly had to face consequences for their actions. History tells us that even if all four men who killed George are convicted, their sentences will be generous (unlike the way the criminal justice punishes black men). Here is a breakdown of the sentences that were given those 25 times: ➖ Unknown sentence = 4 ➖ Just probation = 3 ➖ 3 months in jail = 1 ➖ 1 year in jail, 3 years suspended = 1 ➖ 1 year in prison = 1 ➖ 18 months in prison = 1 ➖ 2.5 years in prison = 1 ➖ 4 years in prison = 1 ➖ 5 years in prison = 1 ➖ 6 years in prison = 1 ➖ 16 years in prison = 1 ➖ 20 years in prison = 1 ➖ 30 years in prison = 2 ➖ 40 years in prison = 1 ➖ 50 years in prison = 1 ➖ life in prison = 3 ➖ life in prison without parole, plus 16 years = 1 Source: Mapping Police Violence (run by @samswey, @iamderay & @MsPackyetti) Mona Chalabi
A photo posted by @monachalabi on May 30, 2020 at 5:19am PDT

A part of really doing the work for diversity, inclusion, and equality means really giving up a seat at your table. Have you done so yet?⁣ ⁣ For the past few weeks, Black people have been offered opportunities previously denied to them- opportunities they didn’t know they could have, to work with people/companies they didn’t think they could ever work with. ⁣ ⁣ - Was it a real step towards equity or was it for show?⁣ ⁣ - Did you offer them as much pay for their work as you would have their white counterpart?⁣ ⁣ - Does your” poster hire” have an opportunity to grow with you and benefit long term from your privilege?⁣ ⁣ Are you really doing the work to create a more inclusive environment or do you just want it to seem that way? Melissa Koby
A photo posted by @mkoby_ on Jul 27, 2020 at 4:41am PDT

Day 26 of the #dothework course: “Redistribution of Resources”. One of the many governmental tactics of white supremacy was doing everything possible to ensure that white people and white communities maintained resources in order to maintain wealth which ultimately gave them the space to maintain power. This can be fought against by the redistribution of resources from the hands of white people and poured into black communities to promote equity. “Various aspects of everyday Black culture often start with derogatory criticism, until the white gaze finds value in and ultimately capitalizes on it.” #dothework30daychallenge #blacklivesmatter #blm Kirsty Gadd
A photo posted by @gaddkirsty_ on Jul 30, 2020 at 2:36am PDT

Hello BIPOC and allies! Welcome to @ BIPOC.Voices! On this account, we plan on showcasing the brilliant talents of BIPOC around the world. Get creative and send us your art through DM! We are also aiming to use our platform to spread useful information such as petitions for movements like Black Lives Matter so stay tuned for that too! Read the above post for more information. <3 Stay healthy & keep fighting! bipoc voices🖤
A photo posted by @bipoc.voices on Jul 12, 2020 at 6:00pm PDT

In our July cover story, @JamilKSmith explores how the Black Lives Matter movement was built, how it is changing America and where it goes next. "As 'black lives matter' rings out from the mouths of protesters and corporations alike, what will it take to build an America where those three words are a statement of fact — not a fight for survival?," Smith writes. Click the link in our bio to read the full feature. Illustration by @kadirnelson Rolling Stone
A photo posted by @rollingstone on Jun 16, 2020 at 5:03am PDT

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. - Martin Luther King, Jr. . . . . . . . . . #artistsoninstagram #blacklivesmatter #india #colourism #love #yoga #vegan #blacklivesmatter #blm #surya #ajith #rajinikanth #anirudh #tamil #dhanush #thalapathy #mugenrao #nayanthara #priyankachopra #deepikapadukone #desigirls #blacklivesmatter✊🏾 #darkskin #melanin #art #beautiful #quotes #justiceforgeorgefloyd #georgefloyd #icantbreathe #endracism 🎨
A photo posted by @artxtt on Jun 11, 2020 at 2:39am PDT

In the middle of the night on March 13, Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT, was senselessly killed in her own home by police as they looked for someone who didn’t live at her address and who had already been arrested. Breonna was a hero in her community, serving as an essential worker on the front lines of the pandemic. My heart is broken for her loved ones suffering this immense hurt and injustice. Rest in power, Breonna. #breonnataylor #justiceforbreonnataylor #blacklivesmatter #justiceforbreonna #supportblackwomen Ariel Sinha
A photo posted by @arielsinhaha on May 13, 2020 at 1:43pm PDT

alive #abstractart#painting#contemporarydrawing #インスタグラム #artgalleries #jazz #artbrut #フォローミー #instagram#modernart#contemporaryartfair #いいね返し #francisbacon #psychedelic #darkart #outsiderart #instagramart #フォロー歓迎 #fashion #fashionista #tshirt #tshirtlife #tshirtprint #artgallery#contemporarypainting #ファッション #インスタ映え #いいね #blacklivesmatter #jazzmusic KAZ
A photo posted by @zukazuzzz on Jun 9, 2020 at 10:41pm PDT

Together. . . For once I just want to use this tribune to speak up, so if you’re here for the pretty pictures just scroll away. You might say it’s another #blacklivesmatter post but there will never be enough. It may seems ridiculously pointless to do pictures and try to find words to describe inhumanity. Voices from everywhere needs to be heard, this fight is not over, so keep posting,talking,arguing and fighting for it. Our first instinct is to respond with more violence, this will ease the pain for an instant but not deeply heal our souls and change society. « An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind ». Nobody is born racist, I strongly believe the only way to win this is through education. Keep spreading the love and let everyone breathe . #georgefloyd QUENTIN MONGE
A photo posted by @mongequentin on May 31, 2020 at 12:42am PDT

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The Creative Bloq team is made up of a group of design fans, and has changed and evolved since Creative Bloq began back in 2012. The current website team consists of eight full-time members of staff: Editor Georgia Coggan, Deputy Editor Rosie Hilder, Ecommerce Editor Beren Neale, Senior News Editor Daniel Piper, Editor, Digital Art and 3D Ian Dean, Tech Reviews Editor Erlingur Einarsson and Ecommerce Writer Beth Nicholls and Staff Writer Natalie Fear, as well as a roster of freelancers from around the world. The 3D World and ImagineFX magazine teams also pitch in, ensuring that content from 3D World and ImagineFX is represented on Creative Bloq.

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