BADG believes in the traditions and principles of creative guilds.
Throughout history, artists and designers have thrived in guilds, finding support, independence, inspiration, and a dynamic community together. That is the core work of the guild: bringing individual creative makers together in solidarity with one another.
In the guild, we support one another but also create opportunities to speak as one voice to the communities beyond.
For the Black Artists + Designers Guild, that one voice aims to speak to the Black ancestral futures we envision and construct at the intersections of art, design, creative entrepreneurship, and social justice. Our voice is one of action and advocacy.
We speak through the programs and products we create together. We speak through collective action on issues that matter to our diasporic communities and artistic practices. We speak through our membership, as we demonstrate both the need and value of our presence.
Importantly, the Guild is not theoretical. It is an active practice in which members are both invited and called on to collaborate and build initiatives together. Active participation is the heart of a thriving guild.
Unlike other professional organizations, the Guild does not accept membership fees in order to create programs for the membership. Members pay into the organization in order to share resources and labor. Like a mutual aid society, the guild is a community of trust, respect, and equity.
For Members, the Guild provides space for action- oriented, creative practice.
For Allies, the Guild offers opportunities to transform intention into action through financial support and public dialogue.
