ART X COMMERCE: the creative economy
The Creative Economy represents a dynamic intersection of imagination, cultural expression, and intellectual capital, encompassing industries that generate value through innovation and creativity. Spanning fields such as visual and performing arts, media, design, advertising, architecture, and technology, it thrives on the fusion of traditional cultural heritage with modern advancements. At its core, this economy harnesses human ingenuity to produce highvalue goods and services, from films and music to digital content and branded designs, driving economic growth and preserving cultural identity.
As a vital contributor to global GDP, the Creative Economy not only fuels job creation but also fosters innovation across industries, inspiring fresh approaches and sustainable practices. However, for creative professionals to thrive in this fast-evolving space, understanding and sharpening their business acumen is imperative Navigating intellectual property rights, leveraging technology, developing monetization strategies, and building strong brands are essential to maximize profitability and secure sustainable growth. By mastering these skills, members of the creative economy can transform their talents into lasting success, ensuring their contributions remain impactful in a competitive global market.
DIRECTOR NEW YORK URBAN LEAGUE
SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTER
d artist specializing in expressionist mixed media works for both residential and commercial spaces. His blend of multiple materials and use of language produces work that is appealing to both your sense of sight and your sense of self.
Draper’s passion for art and education has made him an effective change agent, partnering with New York City schools to develop new creative approaches to how a school’s norms and values are experienced when artistic decisions are made in the reflection of student and community identity. His large art installations and his art derivatives allow his culturally responsive content to impact over 200,000 people daily.
Draper has exhibited at Scope International Art Show, The Bishop Gallery, The Montclair Art Museum, and Amnesty International. He has art that resides in the permanent collection of Harlem Hospital and has had murals shown on Netflix, VH1, and Amazon Prime original programming. Special projects include Nike, (Product)RED, Wells Fargo Bank, Starbucks, T-Mobile, Source Magazine, The City University of New York, and The Girl Scouts of Greater New York. Draper has been honored by the New York Urban League and the NAACP.
RONALDDRAPER
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ith U.S. presidential recognition for domestic and international expertise in artisan development, small producer and entrepreneurial training, and economic development. She has designed and sourced Private Label collections for Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Crate & Barrel, The Phillips Collection, ABC Carpet and Home, Donna Karan Urban Zen, and Ralph Lauren. She has worked in 58 countries. Patti is an expert in Color + Trend research and forecasting and consults with Pantone. She is the Global Trend Ambassador for Maison & Objet, Paris. She is an active board member of SERRV International-one of the founding organizations of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), BADG (Black Artists and Designer Guild), The High School of Fashion Industries, and The Bienenstock Furniture Library, as well as the cofounder of the Kaleidoscope Project. Patti is also the recipient of the Gift For Life Industry Achievement Award for 2021 and the Withit Industry Leadership Award for 2021 for the Kaleidoscope Project.
Stapledon Arts was born from Charlecia Joy's deep desire to revolutionize art education, sparked by her experience as a dedicated art educator in the New York City public school system. Identifying a critical gap in creative expression for students of color, Joy set out to address the lack of resources for exploring melanin tones. Driven by her vision for an inclusive art supply company, Stapledon Arts offers meticulously crafted skin-tone materials and paint kits that eliminate the intimidation art can bring. The company celebrates creativity, vibrant narratives, and amplifies marginalized voices in collaboration with BIPOC artists.
For Joy, Stapledon Arts embodies more than a business venture; it represents her journey from her Bahamian and Floridian childhood to her role as an agent of artistic empowerment in New York City. Rooted in communal spirit, academic achievements, and creative innovation, Joy's vision bridges past experiences with present aspirations, symbolized by the name "Stapledon" and the George Washington Bridge. Through Stapledon Arts, Joy's legacy of creative innovation and empowerment continues to inspire inclusive communities worldwide.
STAPLEDONARTS
ge graduate who works as an Artist and Entrepreneur in Harlem, New York. Prior to working as a full-time artist, Newman worked as a Wall Street financial / business analyst for over 8 years. As a visual artist, Newman has exhibited his work in galleries and museums nationally and internationally.
Robert is a self-taught Black American multidisciplinary artist best known for his expressionist portraits. Currently living and working in Harlem, New York, Newman's work primarily follows and examines the narrative of Black Folks through a post-Civil War Reconstruction era lens. Newman's artistic journey began in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the window of his grandmother's doll store. Since then, Newman has traveled and lived throughout the United States, with a significant amount of his time situated in what is known as the "Jim Crow South": Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Georgia. Newman utilizes his intimate and life-long experiences within Black culture to showcase the continued liberation efforts of Black Folks in America, evoking and honoring his ancestors throughout each piece he creates.
“Expressionist portraits, rich in color and free of all constraints, characterize my style. My paintings are a constant conversation with the Black Community as both expressions of joy and pain. They are depictions of hope for the legitimate liberation and equal rights of the Black Population.”
ead Designer of rand, and accessories launched from her Brooklyn apartment in 2019. With a Fashion Management degree from the Arts Institute of Washington and hands-on experience at top brands like New York & Company, J.Crew, Calvin Klein, William Okpo, and Kal Rieman, she’s built a solid foundation in design and product development. After years in the industry, she noticed a glaring issue: the lack of Black representation in luxury fashion. AMA NWOKE was created to fill that gap offering high-quality, tailored clothing and accessories that make a bold statement. The brand’s signature tailored suits, worn by talents such as Kandi Burruss, Monica McNutt, Melanie Liburd, Ashley Everett, Heather Morris, and Natasha Lyonne, reflect the brand’s unique vision and commitment to craftsmanship. AMA NWOKE's rising presence is set to reshape luxury fashion and push industry boundaries.
AMANWOKE
Tashea Channell, also known as Chef Honcho, is the proud owner of The Honcho Club, a renowned private dining experience, and Cooking with Honcho Corp, a prominent catering company. With seven successful years in the industry, Chef Honcho has established herself as a culinary force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Queens, NY, she brings a vibrant energy and diverse Caribbean influences to her creations. With her infectious enthusiasm and relentless pursuit of excellence, Chef Honcho aims to leave a lasting impression on the culinary, hospitality, and entertainment industries.
Chef Honcho is also a culinary community builder through Honcho University. Honcho University is a mentoring program designed to help chefs and food creators turn their passion into a thriving business.
Chef Honcho
ABOUT US
For the past 100 years, the New York Urban League has worked hard to help New Yorkers live the lives they deserve to lead. From landing living wage jobs with good benefits to putting our youth on the path to a fruitful educational career, or business sustainability, it’s the New York Urban League’s role to strengthen underserved communities, ensuring everybody has a seat at the table.
Our Small Business SOLUTIONS Center is committed to cultivating entrepreneurship in greater New York City and beyond. Our philosophy is centered on anchoring locally and thinking globally. In addition to connecting entrepreneurs to resources required for success, we are also focused on promoting entrepreneurial ecosystems. The NYUL SBSC provides technical assistance, one-toone business consulting, workshops, and events. If you are a business owner or ready to become an entrepreneur, stay connected to learn more about our dynamic programming.
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