let’s start at the beginning
Contemporary Creatives started when I was at a crossroads in my career. Since leaving University, I have been working my way up the art industry ladder, beginning as an intern at Page Bond, a gallery in Richmond, Virginia, moving up to Washington, D.C., where I worked at the Phillips Collection, then ending at Artist's Proof, a commercial gallery where I managed the exhibition calendar, artist relations along with handling sales with private collectors. In the fall of 2019, the gallery was changing directions and presented an opportunity {with the owner's support} to strike out on my own, which was simultaneously terrifying and exhilarating.
Ever since my first art history course in High School, I fell in love with the stories of artists, the narrative, and the theories behind their art. It was like a light switch went off in my brain - I didn't know anything about the contemporary art world then, but I knew that art needed to be in my life. My passion only grew while I was at the University of Mississippi, where I studied Southern art and the contemporaries of the time.
When I started working in the art world in 2014, Instagram and digital marketing were growing at an increasing rate. When I was at Artist's Proof, I developed my skills {and a passion} to effetely sell art online and convey artists' stories and curatorial narratives digitally.
For a couple of years, I had been mulling over this concept of helping artists with their storytelling and creating captivating visual assets in partnership with them. In the fall of 2019, I struck out on my own. I created a business plan, came up with The Contemporary Creatives' name {which I quickly registered with the U.S. Patient office}, did all the tedious but necessary legal paperwork, developed the branding, and finally fine-tuned the services offered.
Contemporary Creative's official birthday is January 1, 2020 {quite honestly, it is the only New Year's resolution I have kept}. For three years, I have partnered with many brilliant artists, independent curators, gallery directors, and non-profits in helping them elevate their stories and exhibitions while helping drive sales and fundraising. I have been fortunate to travel throughout the US, France, and Italy, connecting with creatives and immersing myself in their art worlds.
Being based in Washington, D.C., I'm fortunate to have access to world-class museums in addition to D.C.'s local creative scene. With Instagram, I have connected so many creatives around the world {some I have been able to meet in person}. I curate Contemporary Creatives’ social media to be this snapshot of who we are working with, our friends, and the creatives that inspire us! I love getting to learn from artists, speak with them about their goals and dreams, and connect them to the right match, whether that is a curator, consultant, or collector! I deeply love what I do.
Art has played a profound role in my life, and I can’t imagine a life not filled with it! Thank you for being on this journey with me and The Contemporary Creatives, and cheers to the years ahead!
xx ~ Mackenzie
