Two Year Anniversary!

For two seniors dealing with college apps, quarantine, and the turbulence of 2020-21, this year hasn’t been easy. So as we come upon The Colorization Collective’s second anniversary (!!), we just want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has supported our work. We are so grateful for all that you have done—and all that you continue to do—to support teen artists of color. We couldn’t have made it here without you.

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Without further ado, here is a look at what we’ve accomplished since our founding on June 27, 2019.

The Collective has…

• Had 5,200+ unique visitors to our website; 1,000+ views of our web-series; and 570+ views of our digital mentorship gallery.
• Supported 85+ artists (from 11 states/countries) through our opportunities:
  • 13 teen artists + 3 adult artists through our 2020 mentorship program.
  • 25+ artists through our virtual concert series.
  • 29 teen artists + 13 adult artists from around the world through our online content 
• Produced 50+ blog articles.
• Received $16,000+ in funding.
• Started chapters in 3 states.
• Built a following of 600+ across our social media and newsletter.

• Onboarded 11 team members from 8 states/countries.
• Collaborated with 10+ organizations and nonprofits, featured by 10 local and national media outlets, and spoke about racial equity in the arts at 4 local and national conferences.
• Been working to improve racial equity at 25+ organizations through Seattle Arts and Culture for Antiracism.
• Been recognized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as one of 100 Changemakers; Yale Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Translational Migration; and the Princeton Prize for Race Relations.

Our projects have had a significant impact on participants and viewers. “I think this opportunity validated me as a person,” Nikko Johnston, an Indigenous teen feature, shared. “It made me feel more confident.” Similarly, adult artists have noted the importance of our organization: “I wish I had something like this when I was younger,” said Evan Williams, a Black classical musician. 

Through our projects, youth also learn more about the need for racial equity in the arts. “Coming from a place of privilege, I can feel distanced” from this issue, said one white teen. Yet because of The Colorization Collective’s programming, “I now understand the added richness and complexity that deepens artwork when you have diversity.” ​

Most importantly, our features have helped young artists of color believe in themselves and their abilities. “I never thought of myself as an artist before your video,” Sofia Dominguez, a Latina web-series interviewee, noted. “Before, I didn’t feel important. But you took the time to make a video about me… and it made me feel important that you cared and wanted to feature me. It made me think, ‘I could go into the arts in the future’... You made me feel seen.” 

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Once again, thank you for all your support and dedication! It means so much both to us and to the artists we work with that you are willing to lend us your time, thoughts, and resources. As we continue to grow and expand we are beyond appreciative to know that you’ll always be in our corner. Here’s to another excellent two years—and beyond!

- Anya and Kat, co-founders