July 27, 2020

After working for a non-profit art gallery for three years, Juanita Austin wanted to bring art into everyones lives — not just those that it traditionally catered to. It was that desire that pushed Austin, 28, to found Cultured AF, a social hub and creative platform that allows artists and creatives to produce content, build community, and curate unique experiences that bridge the gap between the art world and Black culture.

Austin, a New London native, graduated from New London High School in 2010, and earned a degree in Digital Media and Design from the University of Connecticut in 2015. After college, she joined the staff of a local art gallery, curating shows for them. But something was missing. She felt that there were many people in her hometown who may have never been to an art show, but would love the experience if they felt comfortable and invited. So she created a space that was welcoming.

From the start, Cultured AF was conceived to support underrepresented artists, especially Black and queer artists. The fine arts world has traditionally not been very inclusive of women, Black, Indigenous, POC and queer artists, and Austin says that the excuse that artists of these backgrounds “can’t be found” is a cop-out. She believes that in order to remedy this, diverse leadership is needed. Cultured AF is Black-owned and led, and their focus on queer artists is not forced either, because those are the people that are on her team.

“There’s people out there that want to support you. Make them believe in you, and people will follow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

— Juanita Austin

Cultured Studios opened in downtown New London in May 2019 as an arts and social lounge. With the mission of celebrating and supporting underrepresented artists while building a community of life-long arts enthusiasts, Cultured AF strives to uplift and support Black and queer artists. In its first year, Cultured AF produced a number of free or low-cost events for the community, including a summer block party, a monthly poetry & open mic series, game nights, and a Kwanzaa celebration.

Less than a year later, COVID-19 hit and paved the way for Cultured AF to make some changes. With non-essential businesses being ordered to close in March, Austin found herself deciding not to renew the lease on the space, with the intent of finding a new space for Cultured Studios to call home once in-person business could resume safely. In the meantime, Cultured AF served as an online platform for live streamed music sessions and virtual open mic nights.

This month, Cultured Studios moved into a new location in the Harris Building in downtown New London that will have will have a workshop/meeting space, a media production/recording studio and gallery space. Shifting with the changes brought about by coronavirus, the new space will be the headquarters of Cultured AF as well as a hub for artists, creatives, educators and enthusiasts to work & play. Austin spoke excitedly about the future of Cultured AF. “Now, everything is about content,” she said, relaying plans to outfit the new Cultured Studios with all of the equipment needed to create high quality content.

Austin proclaims herself a social entrepreneur but is less sure in calling herself an artist, though she says she knows that she needs to “claim that title.” She has a considerable amount of experience in digital design, photography and videography, and also dabbles in poetry and writing, in addition to being a curator, which she describes as being an art in itself. “I'm always wondering whether I'm making the right choices, and that can hold me back sometimes,” says Austin. She says that her biggest challenge is self-doubt.

That self-doubt has not stopped her from asking for help in pursuing her dreams though. In creating Cultured Studios, she sought out a team who could help her bring her vision to life. Josh Brown aka AnUrbanNerd, has taken on the role of Director for Performing Arts, and Erycka Ortiz, is taking the lead as Director of Education. “There's people out there that want to support you,” says Austin, “Make them believe in you, and people will follow. Don't be afraid to ask for help.”

Brenda’s Note: This profile is part of my “Small City, GREAT Women” Photo Project, which celebrates the women of New London, CT who are doing great things. If you know a woman who would be a good fit for the project, NOMINATE HER HERE.