TBR Projects

Commitee run projects and initative supported to grow beyond TBRs walls

At TBR, we create diverse programming to support and showcase BIPOC artists and creatives, fostering community engagement and cultural growth through initiatives such as artist residencies, curated exhibitions, a radio show, and outdoor projects that promote collaboration, visibility, and connection to nature.

These projects are extensions of The.BlkRoom’s mission and are led by dedicated project committee members who plan, execute, and secure funding to expand these programs beyond our walls. Committee members have the opportunity to build these initiatives with the support of The.BlkRoom, our staff, partners, and a member-driven workforce committed to growing and sustaining these efforts.

Learn more about these projects and discover how you can get involved.

The Bloom Residency for Black Women is a transformative program facilitated by The.BlkRoom and generously sponsored by Angel Bat Dawid. This initiative is dedicated to empowering Black women artists by providing them with access to TBR's creative space, vibrant community, valuable resources, and an extensive network of mentorship opportunities.

The residency invites artists to delve into their work through the unique lens of their experiences with Black womanhood, fostering a deep exploration of identity, creativity, and expression.

 

The.BlkRoom Podcast

The TBR Radio Show is a dynamic podcast hosted by Sharmon Jarmon, dedicated to shining a spotlight on the visionaries, community leaders, and innovative partners transforming Chicago's vibrant arts scene. This platform is your ultimate source for the latest cultural news, member highlights, inspiring community stories, and essential resources tailored for artists and creatives in Chicago.

Additionally, TBR Radio will open doors to opportunities in media, PR, and marketing workshops, empowering our community to thrive and grow. Stay tuned for engaging content that celebrates and elevates the heartbeat of Chicago’s arts industry!

The Corridor Gallery, in partnership with Kindred Noir, is a gallery space showcasing the work of emerging and mid-career BIPOC artists. Located in the exterior corridor of The.BlkRoom, it transforms an everyday passage into a site of encounter, visibility, and dialogue, challenging traditional exhibition hierarchies.

The program offers an accessible, community-centered space where artists can engage audiences, participate in public programming, and sell their artwork, while receiving promotional support and exclusive access to The.BlkRoom’s shared space.

The TBR Library

The TBR Library, curated and sourced by Silk Press Ink, is a circulating library featuring curated literature, vinyl, LPS, CDs, and different archival pieces by Black and Brown artists from various periods. This Library is a circulating ‘Give a book-Take a book’ initiative to keep pieces of history circulating in the space to inspire our community.

The project aims to inspire and foster a dedicated space for Black and Brown archival pieces, encouraging community engagement and dialogue. In addition to the library, the initiative will host programs such as book clubs, archival events, and community initiatives designed to highlight and preserve the rich cultural histories of our communities.

To be more involved in these initiatives, fill out the form below