Hey, you. Yeah, you! The one with paint under your fingernails, a half-finished manuscript on your laptop, or a melody stuck in your head that you just have to get out. You know that feeling, right? That little hum that says, “I’m a creative, I’m a little weird, and where are all the other weirdos?”
We are starting something in our region as a project we can eventually share with others who may want to do the same thing in their own region. That is the big vision. But before we can hand out the map, we have to build the territory. Right now, we are wrangling all the brilliant, wild, and slightly unhinged creative energy bubbling up in our local area to see what happens when we stop working in isolation.
Welcome, friends, to the official (but still a work in progress) launch of the Oil City Art Syndicate!
What Even Is This Thing?
Think of the Syndicate as our attempt to wrangle all the brilliant, wild, and creative energy bubbling up in our region. We’re talking artists, writers, musicians, performers, designers, crafters… if you make things, if you love things, or if you just want to see more creative things, you’re in.
Our Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal
For too long, it feels like we’ve all been operating in our own little creative silos. You know, drawing amazing things alone in your studio, writing heart-wrenching poetry to an audience of dust bunnies, or composing a symphony that only your dog truly appreciates.
That’s where the Syndicate comes in. We’re attempting to connect the creators in our region so we can work together and build something that didn’t exist yesterday. Think of this as a pilot program. We are starting this in our region as a project we can eventually share with others who might want to do the same thing in their own towns. We’re building the blueprint as we go. This is by artists and for artists.
What Can You Expect?
Right now, we’re building the foundation brick by beautiful, slightly askew brick. Here’s what we’ve got brewing:
- The Monthly Dispatch (aka, This Newsletter!): Your personal creative intel brief. We’ll be sending out monthly emails packed with local opportunities, grants, calls for shows, and updates on Syndicate business.
- The Discord Den (aka, Our Digital Hangout Spot): This is our virtual studio and brainstorming room. It’s where you can connect with other local artists in real-time.
- The Monthly Muster (aka, Real-Life Human Contact!): Yes, actual in-person meetings! We’re organizing a recurring space where we can sit down and discuss collaborative exhibitions and local events. Details on the first meeting are coming soon.
If you’re reading this, and you are located within driving distance of Oil City PA check it out.
Is This Going to Work?
Honestly? Who knows! This whole thing could grow into an unstoppable creative force, or it could crash and burn in a spectacular blaze of glory. But here’s the unshakeable truth: When creative people gather, magic happens. It just does. We’ve seen it, we’ve felt it, and we are absolutely certain that this journey will be a magical one.
Let’s stop creating in isolation. Let’s find our people. Let’s make some serious magic.
Stay Rogue,
Rafi & Klee Founders, Oil City Art Syndicate
