Did you know that most cities reinvent themselves through Arts and Culture? That’s right, the most down-trodden and economically challenged cities have been revived by the Creatives that inhabit them. Oftentimes those creatives lack the resources they need to make a real impact in their community and build successful, thriving careers. This is especially true for black creatives (i.e. recording artists, visual artists, filmmakers, videographers and tech developers). Paul Carr recognized this lack in resources and it’s one of the most important reasons why he launched R A F T (which stands for Recordings, Arts, Films and Technologies). I recently spoke to Paul to get a better understanding of how R A F T helps up and coming Creatives get access to the resources they need to make it in their industries. Here’s what he had to say…
Why He Decided to Start an Art Incubator
“Arts and Culture chose us; we recognized that Creatives in our region have very few resources, little to no advocates and no brick and mortar spaces catering to the basic needs of recording artists, visual artists, filmmakers and videographers and tech developers. As a result, we lose our Creatives to cities with supports in place for them. Once they’ve relocated, it’s rare that they return, and with them, they lend their creative genius, intellectual property and talents to cities that, ultimately, benefit from the monetization of those highly refined and highly valuable resources/skill sets they need to make it in their industries.”
How R A F T Solves Problems for Creatives
“R A F T is solving multiple problems. For working Creatives, we’re solving the problem of disconnect; Creatives must create. As a result, they rarely have time to seek out opportunities to link their creative endeavors with projects and/or other Creatives that align with their works and missions. That’s where R A F T comes in: We advocate on behalf of Creatives who don’t have the time or access while connecting like-minded individuals within our network with the resources they need to meet their goals. Through our SET SAIL program, We link young and aspiring Creatives with working and established Creatives for hands-on training and mentorship, better preparing them to monetize their Art and intellectual property. Our ANCHOR program makes use of the transformative power of Public Arts for the Reimagining, Redevelopment and Renewal of communities and local economies. We recognize that behind every strong, local economy, there is a vibrant Arts Culture. We find cost-effective, sustainable ways to turn communities around.”
How R A F T Impacts the Lives of the People It Serves
“Culture is everything; food, language, music…it’s everything. R A F T brings value by employing the Art of Connection…connecting form (Art) and function (usability). A great design has to be appealing, but it must also serve purpose. Our purpose is “To Be Inspired, To Create, Then to Inspire.” We work to be inspired by the challenges in our community, find creative ways to meet those challenges head on, and inspire and implement sustainable solutions to and for them.”
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What Makes R A F T Different from Other Art Incubators
“R A F T is unique in that We connect like-minded individuals, recording artists, visual artists, filmmakers and videographers, and tech developers with the opportunities, resources and spaces to create. And, it doesn’t cost a Creative a THING to be a part of our network! R A F T is unique in that cities and municipalities can call on us to be their one-stop shop for all things Arts and Culture. R A F T is unique in that our solutions are customized to suit the needs of each individual Creative, community and space.”
The R A F T Team and Network is Growing
“R A F T is simultaneously, massive and streamlined; Our network of Creatives is huge and constantly growing while our management team is light and efficient. Aside from mySelf, Tyrone Clemons, R A F T’s Technologies Curator and founder of Polyverse Labs, is R A F T’s backbone. Co-founder and CEO of EMPECI Entertainment, Chris Gaston, is an essential part of programming. I just talk a lot LOL.”
Pauls’s Growth Plans for R A F T
“R A F T plans to continue the work we’re doing in Southeastern Michigan and expand our programming to other areas that mirror the conditions we’re working to affect. We will continue our partnership with the Global African Business Association. As GABA expands, so will R A F T.”
To learn more and find out if R A F T can help you, visit the site at https://raftdetroit.org/ or connect with Paul Carr on Facebook and Instagram.