Whether you're a self-taught or formally trained artist, a safe space and community are essential. Art is both a refuge to and from the outside world where you have the unique ability to create from a vulnerable state. And being an artist is more than just creating beautiful artwork, it's about creating a universal language, an actual story, that connects parts of yourself and your artwork with the viewer. It's also about a continuous journey of transformation and proactive in nature. So having a supportive community that supports your growth and story outside of your family and friends is invaluable. And now that there's a big emphasis on social media as a powerful marketing tool for artists, networking in the arts, business, and entrepreneurship is more important now than ever. Likes and followers don’t always equate to sales or the meaningful “exposure” we really need in terms of the art world and business, let alone community and support.
Hence the BGWP Membership, a membership that combines networking and resources for Black women artists. Not only are our members able to utilize BGWP as a global tool to showcase themselves as working artists, their artwork, and their art events, but also as a means to find & connect BGWPs to each other & potential opportunities. This membership is perfect for Black women artists, specifically painters, who are looking for community not just limited to social media. We want to see more Black women artists in spaces that we once dreamed about (magazines, galleries, museums, public art, cinema, etc.) & in positions of both power & ownership. Together, we're making that happen!
When you join the BGWP Membership, you also join a global community that places an emphasis on safe spaces (representation and security), the importance of art resources (accessibility and application), and inclusion in the arts market (normalizing Black women in the arts). BGWP Members receive the following benefits:
Advertising: Join the Directory & add your Events
Private Members Only Instagram: Live support for artist tips, reminders, raffles, Q&A's, etc.
Canvas Circles: Monthly member virtual events for art conversations and critiques (art feedback, networking, etc.)
The BGWP Awards Fund: A portion of every membership fee goes towards the BGWP Awards Fund. Not only are you a part of our community, you directly support Black girls & students artistic endeavors across the globe!
Partnership Resources: Gain access to our Partnership Artist resources (art materials, education, campaigns, etc.) in alignment with BGWP mission
Current Long-Term Partners: Royal Talens North America, Royal Talens Foundation, & Creativebug
Press Opportunities: Inclusion in Mahyue Magazine (quarterly magazine that highlights BGWP Members and Mahyue Studios activities), email marketing, and artist outreach
BGWP Referral Program: Refer another Black woman artist to the BGWP membership and they become a member (your name must be entered in the referral box), you will receive a free BGWP Tee (white or black). Refer 3 new members, then you get an additional year free!
In addition to forming a safe space that doesn't always exist in our local or online communities, our membership creates an ecosystem of Black women working artists to increase visibility so young Black girls can not only see themselves in the art world, but also pursue & maintain a sustainable art profession in the future. As such, the BGWP Membership is explicitly for:
Black women painters who want to connect with other Black women painters/entrepreneurs and expand their artistic network
Black women painters trying to get involved in local, national, international, and online arts community
Black women painters looking for outreach and marketing resources outside of social media
It's important to note that the purpose of the BGWP Membership is to compliment your current art practice and business, not create either for you. Active participation is required to fully reap the benefits of the BGWP Membership and enhance your experience as an artist throughout your art journey overall. Check out the BLACK GIRLS WHO PAINT Community Guidelines (Code of Ethics) to see how ensure a safe space for our members and our FAQs about the required information to be showcased in our Directory. All Member Listings MUST be complete and approved by our team (24-72 hours after submission) to ensure full/accurate information and membership alignment with the BGWP mission. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed or included in our outreach or social efforts - ie. newsletters, press releases, quarterly magazine, social media platforms, etc. Submissions will pend until approved. No refunds.
Advertising, Awards Fund, Partnership Resources, Press Opportunities, & Monthly Canvas Circle Events with BGWP!