Q & A | The Creatives Project’s Neda Abghari

“The Unishark”, a work by TCP Artist in Studio Residence Nikki Starz.
Photo by Caroline Kilgore.

The Atlanta area has tons to offer in terms of displays of artistic expression. Accomplished performance artists, painters, musicians, photographers and myriad others who have stellar creative vision perform and exhibit daily for curious eyes and ears.

But if you ask who inspired those artists or what will become of the audiences, what would that answer be? It’s a question that The Creatives Project (TCP) has answered in a way that means a great deal to the future of the Atlanta arts movement. By simultaneously exhibiting and educating established and budding artists, this nonprofit organization has changed what the circle of life is for art in our city.

Headquartered at The Goat Farm Arts Center, TCP’s programs offer arts education opportunities to under-served youth, as well as opportunities for long term housing, studio and art space residencies for artists.

CommonCreativ got a chance to talk to TCP Executive Director Neda Abghari about the history and mission of TCP—and the role it plays in the future of art in Atlanta.

CC: The Creatives Project has brought together a group whose projects are supporting the next generation of artists from all strata. Did you know TCP would offer possibilities for so many artists when you started it?

NA: When I first began the “Atlanta Creatives” photo documentary series, my primary goal was to educate the community in regards to local artists through conceptual portraiture. I began with the individuals who inspired me the most and had a ton of fun. At the time I had no clue that it would transform into The Creatives Project that exists today. I received an amazing amount of support from the community on all levels from start to finish.  Props and studio space were donated, my printing costs were covered to create the final photographs, and the exhibition space was donated for the 2009 show. It was then that I realized how supportive local stakeholders were of creative projects that had a focus on community development and outreach.

TINDELMICHI’s work at last year’s benefit and exhibition: “The Second Coming.”
Photo by Tabia Parker.

CC: How did that transform into TCP?

NA: Inspired, overjoyed, and extremely grateful that my city had such a belief in my efforts, I made a commitment to make the opportunity available to others. It was in 2009 that the concept for “The Creatives Project” was born. It was my dream to connect artists with spaces in which to live, work, and exist creatively while encouraging them to play an active role in community building, giving back what they were receiving in turn nourishing creative culture. By February 2011, we were ready to launch our initiatives and it’s been a dream come true ever since.

CC: Your Creatives Community Housing Project gives two artists the chance to have affordable housing while giving back through arts-based youth outreach. What was the inspiration?

NA: I was inspired by the generosity of local patrons to support creative initiatives and by my talented artist friends who were struggling to support themselves. I was inspired by the need for the inclusion of talented practicing artists within underserved education programs. I was inspired to make a difference; to bring all these elements together and create a solid formula for the growth and sustenance of Atlanta’s arts ecosystem. My hope is for all parties involved to see the value in this type of system and feel motivated to incorporate it into their way of being; into their way of life. Give to receive and give to grow.

CC: Through your Community Arts Project (CAP) initiatives, you have helped introduce art to youth who may have never considered it a means of expression or something to be appreciated. Can you share some of the highlights of that?

NA: I offered to donate my time teaching photography at Jacob’s Ladder [a local Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center for children] before TCP was established as what it is today. Over the last couple of years, I’ve witnessed a transformation with the students. Many of them function on the Autism Spectrum. The arts programming we’ve made available provides these kids with a huge avenue for self-expression and interactive learning. It’s been a key component in improving their social interaction skills, allowing them to become better communicators and learners. This year, the school has made a commitment to implement TCP’s art instruction into their curriculum year round! We’re so excited that they recognize the impact of the work we have done there.

Gyun Hur, Charlie Watts, Andre Keichian after their tour of the TCP residence properties.
Photo by Neda Abghari.

CC: How does TCP hope to inspire Atlantans who may not be educated experienced in the arts?

NA: We are actually in the process of creating a program geared towards this very mission of “community” arts appreciation. We’re developing a highly-curated concept that we hope will inspire all of its participants to gain a stronger desire to engage with the arts community on many levels. During these intimate series of gatherings, participants will have the opportunity to get to know and love our artists on a very personal level while engaging with other Atlantans from various backgrounds.

CC: Twenty years from now, what do you hope The Creatives Project will have achieved?

NA: In 20 years, TCP will have provided support to hundreds of creatives nationwide, if not globally, through its residency programs. We will be known for the hands-on quality arts education outreach provided to our local communities by talented professional creatives. Imagine TCPs across the nation, each supporting local artists who are encouraged to travel to other TCP locations to live, work, create and give. Atlanta will be particularly proud of our organization’s work for helping to shine the international spotlight upon our sweet Southern city. We are currently building the framework for our visiting artist in residency program, which will play a huge role in bringing this dream to life.

Join TCP on Friday, Oct. 19th at The Goat Farm for ‘Convergence: Six Artists, One Space”. For more info on this event or to learn more about donating money or time to TCP, visit their website at thecreativesproject.org.