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PHOTO ESSAY
FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator
FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator aims to bridge the gap between talent and entrepreneurship through its residency programs. Fellows are given mentorship opportunities and a stipend during their time in the program.
Jerchovia Moxey’s PantherNOW jacket
A jacket designed by Jerchovia Moxey at FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator, crafted from upcycled PantherNOW newspapers. Inspired by the program’s focus on socially conscious designs and entrepreneurship, Moxey creates sustainable, multi-wear garments that challenge fast fashion by offering timeless and versatile pieces.
“Tableware for all”
Stacked tableware designed by Laura David for those with Parkinson’s disease, featuring an innovative caveat for accessibility. Created during her time at FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator, the project aims to blend inclusivity with thoughtful design, avoiding stigmatization through function and form.
NOULA
Created through FIU’s Ratcliff Art + Design Incubator, the KINGS Coloring Book by the NOULA collective reimagines Haiti’s legacy as a humanitarian revolution. The story of Haiti, as author/artist Maxime Pierre explains, is not just a story of revolt but of resilience and humanitarian revolution—a story that speaks to all who seek to preserve cultural heritage and drive change. It highlights the power of art to inspire, educate, and empower communities to rewrite their narratives.
FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator wall of projects
FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator features a wall of projects developed by its fellowship artists and designers, reflecting the creativity and innovation fostered within Miami’s arts community.
“Geographies of Trash”
Artist Ahol Sniffs Glue (David Anasagasti) showcases his project 'Geographies of Trash' at FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator, transforming discarded items like coffee cups and fry holders into sought-after art. The project aims to shift perceptions of waste.
Inside the pages of KINGS
Founding director Jacek Kolasinski holds a copy of KINGS, an educational coloring book about Haitian history. The project was created in collaboration with NOULA, an art exhibition and movement dedicated to inspire Haitian pride.
City Theater
Gladys Ramirez (pictured right), CEO of City Theater, has faced staffing shortages due to the budget cuts. The theater executive was hoping to promote a part-time employee to full-time status but was unable to. This fiscal year, City Theater faced a $90,000 funding cut.
Main Street Players
Miami Lakes’ Main Street Players, facing a $25,000 funding loss for this fiscal year, are seeing reduced pay for staff members like Alex Tarradell, who shares, 'We have to put in the same amount of hours for less pay.”
Young Musicians Unite Studio
Since 2013, Young Musicians Unite has impacted over 25,000 students across 61 schools, providing music education and vocational experiences. As Miami’s only in-school music nonprofit for grades 5–12, YMU fosters confidence, friendships, and skills, enriching the lives of over 9,000 inner-city students annually.
Young Musicians Unite
Young Musicians Unite CEO, Sammy Gonzalez Zeira, engaging with a student in the studio as part of YMU's collaborative model. The organization works within school feeder patterns to provide consistent music education, bridging gaps in access and ensuring thriving music programs in local institutions.
Young Musicians Unite
Young Musicians Unite, originally slated to receive $150,000 in funding, faced a challenging fiscal year with no allocation. The organization remains committed to providing free music education to underserved communities, fostering personal growth, community, and leadership through the medium of music.
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