Indigo Arts Alliance Builds Artist Relationships that Last a Lifetime

Jordia Benjamin, recognized in MaineBiz's "40 Under 40," is a prominent figure in the arts community. As the Executive Director of Indigo Arts Alliance, she focuses on supporting artists of color and fostering cultural representation. Benjamin's leadership emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. Her work has significantly impacted the Maine arts landscape, promoting diversity and inclusion while nurturing emerging talent. Through her initiatives, she aims to inspire social change and enhance the visibility of underrepresented artists.Kristan speaks to Jordia about her previous careers that helped her get to where she is today. The ones that have a really special place are those that continue to have an impact today. Twelve years ago, under the auspices of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, she created the first teacher's art resource guide (over 100 pages) that provided an art curriculum for each grade school level based on Bahamian artists and history. The guide is still in use today.In addition to her work on an art resource guide, she fostered a program allowing gifted emerging Bahamian artists to exhibit their work alongside Bahamian masters in conjunction with the gallery, many of whom are now represented by international galleries and have exhibited in international museums.Today, her work at Indigo Arts Alliance allows her to advance the professional development of Black and Brown artists aligning with her moral compass. With an amazing team, they can advance through their residency program, the artistic excellence of local/national and global creatives.You can learn more about Indigo Arts Alliance by visiting their website.  If you enjoyed this Makers of the USA episode, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Facebook. Please check out Makers of the USA's YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram. Thank you all and stay safe and healthy.