Vivian Phillips

Our work extends beyond placing art on walls, opening doors, and selling products. It is equally important that the art is properly contextualized, that the artist's intentions are respected, and that their voices are heard.

In a world where authentic voices can be stifled, appropriated, and altered, it is more important than ever to hear directly from artists. While advances in technology offer new possibilities, they also raise questions about authenticity, ownership, and whose voices are heard. Art is more than what we see. It carries the artist’s experiences, perspectives, intentions, and imagination. The artist’s voice is an essential part of that expression, offering insight into not only what they create,...

By Vivian Phillips Just over twenty years ago, Valerie Curtis-Newton and I decided to say yes to developing a Black theatre lab named The Hansberry Project. That timing feels particularly prescient as Seattle is being treated to an in-depth exhibit sharing the history of Black Arts/West, an experimental endeavor that brought the voices of Black playwrights and artists to Seattle audiences for 11 years. Douglas Q. Barnett and Buddy Butler took a leap of faith and said yes to creating Black...