Columbia Transforms Former Police Station into Free Artist Studios to Support Local Talent

Columbia Gets Creative: Former Police Station Transformed into Artist Studios

Hey there, Columbia! Have you heard the exciting news buzzing around town? A former police substation at the lively corner of Assembly and Taylor streets is trading in its badge for a paintbrush! That’s right; the city has decided to repurpose this building into artist studios, and artists are ready to take center stage.

What’s All the Fuss About?

For those who may not know, the issue of affordable studio space for artists in Columbia has been a challenging problem for some time now. Enter Xavier Blake, the director of OneColumbia, a city-funded arts nonprofit, who has been at the forefront of tackling this challenge. Thanks to a new partnership with the city, these artists will be granted free working space for an entire year. Now that’s what we call a game-changer!

A Helping Hand From the City

Mayor Daniel Rickenmann boasts about this plan, calling it just the first step in an ongoing initiative aimed at transforming unused properties into vibrant spaces for local artists. Owned by the city, this property on Taylor Street will be leased to OneColumbia for five years, which allows for the studios to be offered at absolutely no cost to the artists. This unique setup, along with support from local businesses, creates a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Painting a Brighter Picture

To kick off this project, artist Dogon Krigga teamed up with local photographer and business owner Jared Johnson to beautify the exterior of the building with a fantastic collage mural. It’s easy to see that this space is being infused with creativity even before it officially opens its doors!

Spotlight on Emerging Artists

The studios are specifically designed for emerging artists. Blake emphasizes that having a year of free studio space will provide a strong foundation these artists need to flourish. With this program, the burden of rent is lifted, allowing the artists to refocus on their craft rather than worrying about their finances.

A Ripple Effect for the Arts Community

This isn’t just a place to paint; it’s about fostering a community! The artists currently using the space – Yeshaya Drayton, Jordan Johnson, and Victoria Rickards – are expected to host monthly events like classes and talks to further engage the community. Mayor Rickenmann is eager to explore more creative avenues like this to boost the visibility of local talent.

Artistic Freedom and Collaboration

Each artist has their own unique journey. For Drayton, a free studio means reconnecting with his artistic voice after years of commissioned work. He’s thrilled to explore new mediums and create whenever his busy schedule allows. For Rickards, who is pursuing graduate studies in lighting design, being near the Columbia Museum of Art lets her showcase her work without the hassle of transport. “It allows us to open our doors and let people come in,” she says, emphasizing the potential for reaching new audiences.

And let’s not forget Johnson, who thrives on the interaction and inspiration he gets from his fellow artists. He aims to learn more about his craft and hopes to transition into teaching in the future.

Planting Seeds for the Future

While this new studio on Taylor Street doesn’t solve every problem facing the local art scene, it surely acts as a springboard for future initiatives. Blake is aware that challenges remain but believes that with community support and creative solutions, Columbia can become more artist-friendly. The city is already exploring other opportunities, such as a new privately funded studio, Gemini Arts, which is set to open in Rosewood soon.

In Conclusion

So, Columbia, as we wait for the official opening of these artist studios, let’s cheer on our talented local artists! Their creativity might just light up our community in ways we never imagined. Here’s to new beginnings and vibrant art filling our streets!