ANTHONY JOINER
Creative Director | Founder
I have been working to increase the visibility of artists of color in our community by mounting exhibitions at events such as the NAACP Gala, Democratic Party convention, Black History programs at WSU, and Black History Month at the Topeka State Capitol Building. I also hosted a 3-month pop-up gallery in an office building in downtown Wichita in 2018, highlighting the work of several local artists and offering an arena for Black artists to network and engage with clients.
#representation
While these initiatives have been successful and created some momentum for change, the process has also demonstrated how serious the lack of representation is for artists of color in Kansas. The commercial art scene in Wichita, in particular, lacks diversity, although many Black artists are involved on a more grassroots level, in mural painting and neighborhood beautification. The level of awareness of, and exhibition opportunities for, our region’s Black artists is disproportionately low when contrasted with their talent and productivity.
“I propose to catalyze change at a local level, with the creation of the Mulberry art gallery. Mulberry is located on the corner of Central and Volutsia, close to the heart of the Black community and less than two miles from The Historic Dunbar Theatre, and will be dedicated to the consistent representation and growth of artists of color.”
