ArtWRKD, which was founded nearly four years ago by artist, educator and curator Ashara Shapiro began with a simple but powerful belief: artists, makers, collectors, educators, patrons, and community members need a place where they can connect, create, learn, and thrive together.
From its inception, ArtWRKD was envisioned as more than a gallery or creative venue. Shapiro set out to build a creative ecosystem where artistic practice, cultural engagement, education, entrepreneurship, and community could intersect—and where the traditional walls separating artists from audiences could be broken down.
Now, Ashara’s vision is becoming a long-term nonprofit mission centered on artists, education and community. The mission stated clearly is—“ArtWRKD Consortium cultivates creativity, supports artists, and strengthens communities through innovative exhibitions, education, artist development, and immersive cultural experiences. They champion original and non-traditional voices, providing the resources, mentorship, and public engagement opportunities that empower artists to build sustainable creative careers while making the arts accessible, relevant, and transformative for all.”
Through exhibitions, artist residencies, workshops, performances, immersive experiences, curator-led programs, mentorship, and its developing Certificate of Mastery program, ArtWRKD creates opportunities for artists at different stages of their careers while inviting the broader public to participate meaningfully in the arts.
Ashara Shapiro says, “The transition to nonprofit status is not the beginning of our vision—it is the next step in sustaining, expanding, and deepening the impact of the ecosystem we have built together. Our greatest achievements have never been solely the exhibitions, programs, or events. They are the relationships we have built, the voices we have amplified, the artists we have supported, and the community we have strengthened through shared creative experiences.”
ArtWRKD's next chapter is grounded in the belief that creative spaces are essential infrastructure for thriving communities. “Our vision is larger than creating a place to experience art,” Ashara says said. “We want to build an institution that demonstrates what can happen when artists, educators, patrons, businesses, cultural organizations, and community members come together around creativity. Investing in artists is an investment in our collective future.”
As part of the nonprofit transition, ArtWRKD is inviting artists, educators, entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, business leaders, collectors, patrons, community advocates, and supporters of the arts to help shape the organization's future. ArtWRKD is currently accepting expressions of interest for several leadership opportunities: Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, Fundraising Committee and Development Committee. For inquiries, contact Ashara Shapiro by email at artcurator@artwrkd.com.