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.
Please feel free to get in touch with any suggestions or relevant news – we plan to keep this page regularly updated. Let's start with a list of some very worthy causes that are working right now in this fight.
Where you can donate
- Black Lives Matter
- Minnesota Freedom Fund
- Official George Floyd Memorial Fund
- Show racism the red card (UK)
- Resourcing racial justice (UK)
- Amnesty International
Black Lives Matter: Fundraising and funding projects
Artists and designers are creating work and collaborating for fundraising projects, and funds have also been created specifically to assist Black people working in the creative industries. Here are some inspirational examples.
2 days left. Looks like those who missed my design for @gerryconway @ConwayLauraB #SkullsforJustice will be getting shirts by @customink.10 more masks needed to print & 97 more stickers. So RT & share! All proceeds to #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/IDJx0C1T5z pic.twitter.com/noHlAFVJWJJuly 29, 2020
Less than 24 hours in and you've already raised over $4000 for #BLM #BlackLivesMatter by supporting young artists of color-- AND you get a cool Skulls for Justice t-shirt! Or two! Or three! Collect them all! https://t.co/4qwY20a3S7June 10, 2020
$30,000 in grants for black artists, industrial designers & architects.Portfolio application: foundation@a-cold-wall.com pic.twitter.com/4s2I4ATvcHJune 15, 2020
Black Lives Matter: Amplifying artists and designers
Many creatives are collaborating to create databases of black creatives working across creative disciplines in order to promote their work and give consumers/employers easily accessible information. Others are open for new hires, and have posted their details for creatives to get in touch.
Distinctly Creative (below) runs the Black Creatives Directory, featuring 'Black creatives worldwide in industries like fashion, art, beauty, music, creative writing, graphic design, photography, interior design, culinary, performing arts, + more'.
Hi, I oversee a team that often commissions illustrators. I am conscious that I know far fewer illustrators who are POC than not. Please send me the names & portfolios, of your fave POC illustrators! DM, Email, share this post, _however_ — adam.okrasinski@gmail.comJune 5, 2020
Hello, I wish I could help more, but I can offer time and knowledge. I have hired concept artists in both mobile and AAA, worked on films like MCU. If any black artists would like help with a folio review (concept art), I'd be very happy to help. #drawingwhileblack DMs open pic.twitter.com/fT7z00nNSiJune 2, 2020
I just posted this on instagram & reposting here: If you are an African American artist & trying to break into SFF, I want to help. DM’s are open. Send me your email & website link & I’ll be scheduling as many 1hr portfolio reviews as I can.Thx to @ericsmithrocks for the idea pic.twitter.com/NGYvWHqJEGMay 30, 2020
💗💙🤍💙💗 Black Trans Creatives 💗💙🤍💙💗To all Black Trans Feminine, Black Trans Women, Black Trans masc, Black Trans men and Black Nonbinary individuals please drop your artwork, social media, portfolios, music, even makeup art below! 👇🏾June 9, 2020
Hit me with those portfolios! https://t.co/KNnqw6t11nMay 31, 2020
Black Lives Matter: George Floyd tributes
Below are some examples of artists across the world who have responded to the death of George Floyd, producing tributes to Floyd in support of Black Lives Matter.
For George Floyd. To donate to the Floyd family, visit:https://t.co/xd51PvAJH5To learn more about Black Lives Matter, visit:https://t.co/lBjElo4kSU#GeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/9P4uhoP4fxJune 2, 2020
Black Lives Matter: Art and events
I'm hosting the Creative Diversity Festival - Black and Scottish at 6pm 29th July.This is a diverse festival with many well known personalities and creatives29th July https://t.co/Oj0fKTbQYHCDX: A SOCIAL EXPERIENCE WITH ICONS AND INFLUENCERS pic.twitter.com/OzdGdaf0P6July 28, 2020