Creative Hive brings Black artists together to shape Pittsburgh's cultural future

Black artists in Allegheny County are making their mark in the creative world, using their work to inspire and connect with their community.

Among them is Dominique Swift, a 23-year-old multimedia artist whose passion for storytelling through art has led her to develop a 16-part painting collection and a film titled “Uli Awakened: In Her Name.” The project delves into an Igbo myth and art form that has faded from common use. Swift, originally from Philadelphia and now based in Pittsburgh following her graduation from the University of Pittsburgh, sees her work as a bridge to history.

“As African Americans, we are detached from those histories, so to use art as a way to insert myself into a history I feel disconnected from is very special to me,” she said.

The reception for awardees and the artist networking event, Creative Hive, was held at artist Marlon Gist’s Art & Soul Cafe on Penn Avenue.

Michael Carroll was one of three local artists who facilitated microgrants to support Black artists in Allegheny County. He emphasized the importance of providing resources to Black artists who often have to create from a place of struggle.

“We had to give this money to the community and give it to the artists as quickly as we could, and we believe that art and culture are the driving forces of economic development,” Carroll said. “A lot of our community is overlooked and overshadowed when it comes to the creative ecosystem. When it comes to the African American community, it doesn’t always seem like that community is highlighted or supported.”

The Black Artist Empowerment Grant was funded by The Pittsburgh Foundation and is managed by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. Carroll, Ashanté Josey and Kahlil Darden served as the grant review committee (the Black Arts Action Committee has since dissolved). A total of $7,500 was awarded to 15 artists, who each received $500 — alleviating barriers of accessibility, according to the creators and recipients.

While some artists feel supported, Jajuan Hill said Pittsburgh is in a creative crisis.

“A lot of artists here don’t find it sustainable to live and are willing to travel and find opportunities in other cities. … I think we are at risk of becoming a second-tier city if we don’t find a way to keep our artists here,” said Hill, a content creator, author and grant recipient.

Added Swift: “It feels really good to have a resource that is not just representation but is financial and an investment, so I can take away some of the stress that comes with being an artist and having to work a full-time job.”

Members of the grant review committee said they were tired of seeing Black artists have to create beautiful pieces of art from a place of struggle.

“If we can help in any way to give them some sort of finances, resources or support to help them in their creative journey that doesn’t have any strings attached, we felt like it was a good endeavor,” Carroll said.

Cat Burton, creative producer at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, echoed the sentiment.

“It is important that the funding of artists with unrestricted funds is prioritized so they are able to support themselves within their livelihood and artistic practices,” she said.