WeArt Inc. is an Artist Development Program dedicated to supporting underrepresented artists through personalized mentorship. We empower artists to develop their practice, navigate the art business, and build the confidence and skills needed for success.
Our program helps artists find their unique voice, refine their skills, and identify their target buyers. It culminates in a collaborative exhibition, showcasing their work in their respective markets.
At WeArt Inc., we believe in the power of diverse voices and are committed to helping each artist reach their full potential.
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What We Do:
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Addressing Unmet Needs: Underserved emerging professional artists in St. Petersburg face significant barriers to advancing their careers, including limited access to resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. This program aims to fill this gap by providing tailored support and guidance to help artists overcome these challenges and thrive in their artistic endeavors.
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Empowering Artistic Expression: Every artist has a unique voice and perspective that deserves to be heard. By offering mentorship, workshops, and residency programs focused on finding artistic voice and tone, the program empowers artists to explore and express their creativity authentically, fostering a more diverse and vibrant arts community.
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Building Sustainable Careers: Many emerging artists struggle to navigate the business side of the arts, including branding, marketing, and financial management. By equipping artists with essential business skills and knowledge, the program enables them to build sustainable and successful careers as creative entrepreneurs, ensuring their long-term viability in the industry.
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Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity: Inclusivity and diversity are essential for a thriving arts ecosystem. By targeting underserved artists who may face systemic barriers to entry, the program promotes greater diversity and representation within the local arts community, enriching cultural exchange and dialogue.
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Catalyzing Economic Growth: The arts play a vital role in driving economic growth and revitalizing communities. By supporting the professional development of emerging artists, the program contributes to the economic vitality of St. Petersburg by fostering a thriving creative economy, attracting investment, and generating cultural tourism.
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Creating Social Impact: Art has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and foster social change. By empowering underrepresented artists to share their stories and perspectives, the program creates opportunities for dialogue, empathy, and understanding, contributing to positive social impact and community economic growth.
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Investing in the Future: Supporting emerging artists is an investment in the future of the arts. By nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth and development, the program helps cultivate balance and economic equity in the next generation of artistic leaders, ensuring the continued vitality and relevance of the arts in St. Petersburg and beyond.
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Collaboration and Partnership: The success of this program relies on collaboration and partnership with stakeholders across the arts, business, and philanthropic sectors. By working together, we can leverage our collective resources and expertise to maximize the impact of the program and create lasting positive change in the lives of underserved artists.
About Us
A Message from Vivia Barron, Artist and COO of WeArt.
Hey there, I'm Vivia Barron—a visual artist and the Chief Operating Officer of WeArt St. Pete, a nonprofit dedicated to the mentorship and development of emerging underserved professional artists in St. Petersburg.
My journey as an artist has been an exciting mix of self-discovery and creative exploration. I draw inspiration from the world around me, infusing my work with elements of nature, culture, and the human experience. Through my art, I aim to provoke thought, ignite conversation, and evoke emotion in those who engage with it.
As the COO of WeArt St. Pete, I'm on a mission to create a supportive and empowering space for emerging artists to thrive. I've seen firsthand the challenges faced by artists, especially those from underserved backgrounds, and I'm committed to providing them with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to succeed.
My vision for WeArt St. Pete is simple: to harness the transformative power of art to uplift communities and drive positive change. Together with our team, I'm working tirelessly to build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable arts ecosystem in St. Petersburg and beyond.
Join me in supporting the next generation of artists and ensuring that creativity and opportunity continues to flourish equitably in our community. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of emerging artists of St. Pete.,
-Vivia Barron