Today we’d like to introduce you to Renée Fox.
Hi Renée, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
IOS began in 2006 as an intentional community of artists, myself included, organized to make artists more visible to one another and give them a stronger network for collaboration and community action. The grassroots art walk that resulted attracted positive press, attention from local artists and grew from 16 participants in the first year to over 60 with national press and corporate sponsorships by its 10th year in 2016. In the ensuing years since its establishment, IOS has continued to present the annual Art Walk each year during the second weekend in November.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growth for IOS has happened in waves. Momentum is always a result of hard work, and the annual Art Walk creates a flurry of activity that provides a reason for artists to meet and work together. Organizing that event is one of the most challenging things we do and the incredible opportunities it creates to provide the momentum to do it again every year. Artists share their personal stories from the Art Walk each year which have included making new professional connections to curators, collectors and other artists, finding a new home or studio, meeting new friends, making sales, and having new energy to make new work. We document and archive these stories every year because they tell the bigger story of our local art community.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The mission of IOS is to support local artists and art activities by building a diverse, inclusive and resilient community. This has been our work since 2006 through social gatherings and events like our annual Art Walk, Our network of artists has had huge positive impact. In 2014, a live-work ordinance was passed by the city of Inglewood due to the efforts of organized Inglewood artists and property owners who met and organized through IOS. Some local artists credit IOS for the fact that they are still here, living and working in Inglewood. A non-profit since September 2021, IOS has raised money for artist grants with an art engagement/ workshop component with local youth, inspiring and empowering future generations of creatives. One of the most carefully curated lists of artist opportunities is consistently updated on our website. We are a resource for local artists to share their news, promote their practice and connect them with professional peers and opportunities.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The Covid-19 crisis taught us through isolation that art and community are essential. It was during this time that we decided to start a non-profit based on the needs of our community. The urgent needs that arose were social connection and a platform for artists to be seen and heard. Since 2021, we find that the people in our community, from youth to our elderly population, all have a trauma from that time to heal, and the best way we know is to do so together.
Contact Info:
- Website: inglewoodopenstudios.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inglewoodopenstudios/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inglewoodopenstudios
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/InglewoodArt
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=inglewood+open+studios
- Other: https://inglewoodopenstudios.org/artwalk-2022
Image Credits
Beth Dubber Ben Wilson
