On this week’s episode, I had the joy and honor of speaking with Jordia Benjamin, Executive Director of Indigo Arts Alliance, and Ashley Page, Studio and Program Manager at Indigo Arts Alliance, an arts organization working at the nexus of citizenship, community-building, and creativity.

We discuss Indigo’s upcoming symposium, Deconstructing the Boundaries: Tending to Communities, which will take place this Saturday, July 26th at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Culminating a three year partnership between Indigo and the Gardens, this day of sensorial and participatory programs exemplifies Indigo’s commitment to cultivating the development of Black and brown artists, especially those working around issues of environmental justice, preservation, and land. Stay tuned for the second part 2, where I'm joined by visual artist Daniel Minter and poet & artist Arisa White.

Jordia Benjamin, Executive Director of Indigo Arts Alliance, has a passion for creating compelling programs and cultivating creative environments. She embodies a commitment to equity, inclusion, empowerment and advocacy for communities of color. Jordia leads the Indigo Arts Alliance’s day-to-day operations. Her role ensures that the quality and global impact of IAA’s activities and programs directly support its mission. A highly effective collaborator, manager, relationship builder, and communicator, she guides and refines the artist residency program, developing related programming that connects our local, national and international communities.

Ashley Page is the Studio and Program Manager at Indigo Arts Alliance. She serves as a point of contact for artists and supports the development of related public programs and special projects to best connect artists and communities. In her role, she ensures the smooth operations of the studio and its administrative needs. As an interdisciplinary artist, community organizer, and social disruptor, Ashley’s creative spirit, passion for community, and dedication to the artistic growth of artists of color is interwoven into her own artistic philosophy. Drawing from the power of vulnerability, collaborative honesty, and mutual understanding, her work creates the bridges between art and people.

To learn more about Indigo Arts Alliance, visit here. 

Visit Deconstructing the Boundaries: Tending to Communities for more information about the symposium.

This episode was produced with support from Indigo Arts Alliance.

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