LIT's C-Space Creates a Place for Black and Brown Creatives to Get the Resources They Need
A lot us want to make money and be successful off our talents, but we don’t always tend to have the knowledge or resources to make our dreams a reality. In Milwaukee, the creative scene is growing every day, but a lot of us feel stuck because we’re not sure what to do next to elevate ourselves. Since their founding in 2017, Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT) has been pushing for transformation in the City. And, now they’re taking it one step further with the creation of their latest program C-Space.
According to a press release, C-Space is a monthly incubator for Black and Brown creatives to receive knowledge and resources on how to make a career out of their art.
“It’s a protected space for Black and Brown creatives,” said LIT Cultural Organizer Nailah Johnson. Johnson and Corey Fells are in charge of C-Space and its programming. "We really need to have a larger platform for Black and Brown creatives, especially younger people.”
LIT takes its youth around the country to create change and to learn. (Picture provided by LIT)
Every creative’s needs and wants are different, which is why the C-Space basis its work off of what each individual creative says they need to thrive. Through C-Space, creatives can receive physical, financial and mental help.
C-Space wants to inspire collaboration. The first workshop was held last month in December with a variety of creatives: film makers, graphic designers, spoken word artists, creative directors and more.
C-Space is open to Black and Brown creatives 14-35 years of age.
“You need younger people to think of things that haven’t been created before,” Johnson said. “Working with creatives is the best way to reach the rest of the world.”
Each workshop has the goal of elevating the creatives who decide to participate. For example, Johnson said they plan on bringing in a speaker to talk about the options creatives have when they’re full-time and don’t have benefits such as health insurance.
Johnson said creatives are the ones willing to take risk and take action, which shifts the culture. She used Sherman Phoenix as an example of what C-Space hopes to accomplish. Instead of drowning in the aftermath of Milwaukee’s 2016 riots, JoAnne Sabir used her creative juices and thought of a place filled with Black and Brown businesses in a location that many thought had no potential. LIT sees the potential in Milwaukee’s youth and is intentionally creating opportunities for youth to be successful.
Along with providing monthly workshops, C-Space is offering artist fellowships. Johnson said they’re looking to hire on artists part-time to help with C-Space, and that includes being flown out with LIT for different meetings and opportunities. Creatives will have to submit a proposal on what project they would like to work or complete during their fellowship. The fellowship will last from April-Nov.
The next C-Space workshop will be held on Jan. 25 from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at LIT’s office, 2201 N. Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr.
To find out more about C-Space, click here.