The Black Art Vanguard: Embracing & Advocating for Inclusion in Art Spaces

by Ahshara C. & Jamisha R.

As you enter the MoCADA gallery space immediately bathed in the soft yet powerful LED LED spotlights and greeted by the rich sweet treats and wine sourced from Black-owned business, you are welcomed by community.

This is how it felt entering The Black Art Vanguard Launch Party last month. In partnership with with Dylana’s Sweet Treats, Bed-Stuy Liquid Assets, Black Girls in Art Spaces, TwoSixEight Studios, WESHH, and P96, The Black Art Vanguard debuted their carefully curated cohort of artists they now represent who range from photographers to visual artists. Among the artists were Blaqson, Rashad A. Heagle, and Sydney Merritt-Brown, who will now be represented by The Black Art Vanguard.

Creatives united of all unique personal, professional, and artistic backgrounds to celebrate, honor, and to support the vision of Cerina Shippey and Sydney Oshuna, founders of The Black Art Vanguard. The passion and deep appreciation for connection, networking, and community, Cerina and Sydney have cultivated the foundation of their very own community and efforts towards the inclusion of Black art in spaces.

All rights to photos displayed above are reserved to The Black Art Vanguard

Photos captured by Mikelison Womack

With such a flawless execution and the clear attention to detail, it is only imaginable how Sydney and Cerina were able to do it. Luckily for us, we were able to get the inside scoop and speak with Cerina and Sydney post-the launch party to discuss the origin of The Black Art Vanguard, their inspiration, and what they are looking forward to in the future.

“I think Cerina and I, we’ve always been very intentional from start to finish about the business," said Sydney, "Even during our speech (at the launch party), we thought about every detail. Who is our community? What do they look like? What are the things that they enjoy? What kind of desserts would they want…”

“We prioritize when figuring out who we want to work with, are they about it or just saying it for the views,” said Cerina. Not only are they creating this space for black artists, but they are also making sure that everyone in this space is real and there for the right reasons. 

Captured by Jamisha R. for The Black Art Vanguard

When it came to ironing out the details of “The Black Art Vanguard,” the two greatly looked to a few people for inspiration.  

“The New Black Vanguard” by Antwaun Sargent was a huge inspiration for them and one that greatly helped to cultivate what they wanted The Black Art Vanguard to be about and the message they wanted to share with the world.

“We wanted to recognize that things are not made in isolation. Things are not made in a vacuum. I remember in 2020 and on, so much vibrant photography from black artists that I had not seen in such a large and diverse capacity were all there at the same time and it was all in high demand.”

Another inspiration for The Black Art Vanguard? Imani Ellis, founder of CultureCon and The Creative Collective.

“Even in planning events for The Black Art Vanguard, I would seek inspiration from listening to some of her podcast interviews and just getting motivation from her. During the moments when it was tough, and I didn’t know if I could get through it, hearing how she started CultureCon, which I’ve attended at least three times, and seeing where it is right now… it’s a testament to what community can do for you,” said Sydney. 

“I feel like a lot of times it's a misconception that people have is that when you start a business, you have to have it all figured out right from the jump. So we didn't have anything figured out right from the jump. We were learning as we go and we still are.”

When asked what advice they have for anyone else looking to start their own business, they had a few simple words: “I know people are going to hate for me staying this,” said Cerina with a laugh, “but like Nike said ‘Just do it’.”

All rights to photos displayed above are reserved to The Black Art Vanguard Photos captured by Mikelison Womack

“Once you handle that step of believing in yourself, now you can open your bridge for other people to believe in you as well,” said Sydney, “Nothing gets done if you don’t tell people about it. We automatically have accountability because we’re co-founders, we have each other. But also going out to network with folks, going to those different events, placing yourself in those spaces where you know people are doing what you want to do.” 

We can’t end this without a very special shoutout and personal congratulations once again to the artists at The Black Art Vanguard’s Launch Party, Blaqson, Rashad A. Heagle, and Sydney Merritt-Brown!

The Black Art Vanguard is bringing in an era of black art, black creativity, and black spaces and we are so excited to see what they have in store. 

If you aren’t already make sure to follow them @theblackartvanguard on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Visit their website at www.theblackartvanguard.com and stay tuned for more updates.