A Good Day: Astroknot Collective
This month we are spotlighting AstroKnot Collective. Founded by Baltimore native Neru, Astroknot Collective is a group of young creatives that are pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for inner city youth in the arts.
What is the organization? Is there a specific target group?
AstroKnot Collective is a growing Baltimore organization. We currently mentor about 10 different artists from all across the U.S. and Africa, but primarily Baltimore. We help guide young artists and entrepreneurs careers, create monthly opportunities, artists development, branding, insight and more. Our artists range from graphic designers, visual artists, movement and yoga, hair artistry, music, photography to name a few. We've curated a number of community and art events including hair shows, youth art supply drives, workshops, clothing drives, art auction events for young POC artists to find homes for their pieces etc. One of our biggest accomplishments so far with the help of Family League and Cllctivly is acquiring our own multi use art studio. We are offering artists residencies and weekly opportunities for growth. We curate events bi-weekly/monthly and create opportunities for young artists to elevate their platforms, network and create. Our targeted audience is primarily artists and entrepreneurs, but not limited to anyone that is interested in learning more about our initiatives.
What drew you to this mission?
On August 28th 2021, I curated a hair show called "AstroKnot" which focused on black futurism, alternative hairstyles and hair sculptures. AstroKnot member Daizy was the head stylist for this project. The event itself was very highly appreciated within the arts here. We were able to gain coverage on Baltimore's LED art board as well as a few publications to accompany the very rare show. During that time I realized I've reached a point in my career where I can help others elevate. There has always been a need for more resources for homegrown POC artists from Baltimore. I was one of them. With knowing and understanding all sides of the coin I decided with my accomplishments, credentials and experience that I should do what I can to fulfill the need within the community. In November 2021, the AstroKnot Collective was born.
What impact do you feel has been made through this organization? What’s the biggest impact since your time there?
We've been making an outstanding and lasting impact with this movement through community initiatives such as art supply drives, clothes drives, community clean ups, and art auctions. There aren't many positive images promoted of POC in our neighborhoods and I believe it's important for us to change that narrative. Between our community efforts and mentoring novice and intermediate artists, I believe we are molding the next generation of changemakers and entrepreneurs. The biggest impact, though we've accomplished a number of initiatives since our start in 2021, would be giving the youth a positive image of POC artists working together as a unit and achieving goals.
How can others get involved with your organization?
We're always open to new artists, collaborations, sponsors and projects. We've recently opened recruitment for the collective from August to November of this year and will be rolling out some of our new members in the new year. Our monthly opportunities include performance and vending opportunities for artists that are interested in exposure on our platform. Within the last year we've built partnerships with venues, businesses, collectives, artists and entities to help propel and even fund some of our amazing efforts. The best way to get in contact with the collective and the founder is through email AstroKnotcollective@gmail.com or Instagram @astroknotcollective | @neruthee4thfugee
Astroknot Collective founder Neru Thee Fourth Fugee
What’s your favorite book or podcast right now? Is there a reason why?
My favorite book right now would have to be "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. I am already familiar with Henrietta's story, but chose to dive into the book about a week ago. This is one of my favorite books right now because it brings awareness to her amazing story and how us as Black people are treated a lot of the time in this country. This book brings a lot of value to our culture and it truly sheds light on this under-publicized and forgotten true story that unraveled right here in Baltimore.
What's your most recently played song on Spotify?
The last song played on my Spotify is "Enchantment" by Corinne Bailey Rae. Who doesn't love Corinne haha.
