BLK RVR Artist Collective

BLK RVR Artist Collective exists to nurture Black artists exploring themes of migration, identity, healing and cultural memory across the African Diaspora. We value narrative repair, artistic truth-telling, community care, and the power of artists to imagine and spark liberated futures.

Our vision is to cultivate a safe, affirming space where artists from diverse disciplines can reflect on their personal journeys, connect with others, and co-create work that contributes to Black healing.

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our organizing framework:
Black migratory identity

Migration is natural. Displacement is not.

Black Migratory Identity is our original framework, rooted in the global political tradition of Pan-Africanism—which seeks to strengthen connections between Indigenous and Diasporic Afro-descendant communities.

This lens invites us to examine the forces that have shaped our movements across the globe—whether by choice, survival, or force—and to reflect on how those journeys continue to shape our identities today. Through this collective exploration, BLK RVR artists will create, question, and grow together, generating new futures and possibilities.

where do we live? where do we belong? who or what brought us here? as we consider the answers, we begin to see the systemic forces that have shaped Black life – and the path to getting free.

the experience

  • Application Period: Each summer, Black River Life invites Black artists from across the greater Phoenix area to apply for the BLK RVR Artist Collective.

  • Dreaming & Creating Sessions: Selected members gather in person for approximately four sessions centered on dreaming and creation. Together, we explore our personal migratory stories and the wisdom they hold about Black identity, belonging, and self-determination. Each member is invited to create or evolve an original work in response to this self-reflection.

  • Performances: Artists share their work with the Black River Life audience during our seasonal public activations and community gatherings.

  • What to Expect: Warm, intimate vibes. Good food. Music. Respectful group dialogue, emotional support and a world of discovery.

members

  • trinity miracle

    (they/she)

    poetry, performance art, multi-media

  • muse

    (she/her)

    painting, digital, collage, events

  • jae beau

    (he/him)

    music/dance

  • felicia penza

    (she/her)

    graphic design, painting, music, short essays and poetry

  • sean avery medlin

    (they/he)

    poetry, rap, performance

  • thiditsana moloi

    (she/her)

    dance/movement arts, music

  • nova baize

    (she/her)

    poet, playwright, performance artist

    artist advancement director at black river life