Black Girl Basel: If you can't meet 'em, join 'em online
I’m told art fairs at Art Basel Miami Beach can be both great fun and nightmarishly pretentious at the same time. Fortunately, there’s at least one bright spot: Black Girl Basel, which goes virtual this year!
Artist Kesha Bruce co-founded the event with attorney Mavis Gragg and communications expert Carol McDonald in 2018. It’s meant to accelerate forming those bonds that often lead to “hey, I know the perfect person for that role/ exhibit/ project” collaborations. And like all memorable gatherings, it was just… FUN. So much fun spilled over from the first Black Girl Basel event that even the New York Times arts section noticed.
And if you’re wondering about the elephant in the room:
I know for sure that my girl Liz Tran will be there (and believe me, Liz does not waste her time on soul-sucking distractions). Black Girl Basel happens on Miami time, so if you’re on the West Coast like me check the session timing carefully. Hope to see you there!
The takeover rumors are true
For 48 hours, when Artist Trust talks to you on Instagram… it’s my online voice you’ll hear. I’m taking over their Stories this weekend!
Here’s the part I’m most looking forward to: including you in a live conversation with my artist friends!
I partner with Artist Trust whenever I can, because their support can make an immediate difference in an artist’s life. Most recently, their COVID-19 relief fund has raised and distributed $525,000 to artists on the financial brink. Tangible support is rare — most people just talk about how important artists are to society without backing it up.
Image credit: Anton Gudim
Remember, I’ll be posting on Artist Trust’s account, not my own. So come through and say hello — comment while we’re live!
Friendly takeover
Artists, man… They will TAKE. OVER. if you don’t keep an eye on ‘em. Ask me how I know.
I know because I’m plotting my takeover of Artist Trust on Instagram! During the last weekend of May, Artist Trust has asked me to fill their Stories feed. You’ll see my work, artists I follow and artists I can’t wait to see in person when we’re NOT in quarantine.
Instagram Live chat with artist Liz Tran
Think of this takeover like a virtual pop-up gallery during the COVID-19 lockdown, with Artist Trust donating exhibit space. Here’s how you can pitch in: spread the word, by sharing the graphic below.
What good is a pop-up event if no one attends? So save the dates: Saturday the 30th and Sunday the 31st — ask your friends to save the dates too — and come add your comments to the Stories!