One brisk day in early 2020, four independent creatives walked through a warehouse in downtown Las Vegas, envisioning a co-working space designed for performers, photographers, writers, makers, and working artists of all kinds. After months of planning and fundraising, a global pandemic stopped the dream in its tracks.
But, somehow, the Freed Artists (FreedArtists.com) concept managed to stay alive.
“We need art now more than ever,” says Co-founder Jennevive Barros. “But as artists ourselves, we understand the unique challenges of creating, and we vowed to help.”
A collective of working creatives — from performing and visual artists, to writers and body workers — Freed Artists provides tools and strategies for the unlocking of creative potential. Rooted in mindfulness techniques such as yoga, dance, sound therapy, breath work, coaching and practical skill building, members of FA benefit from the group’s collaborative approach.
“Creativity is collective, but it’s often done by individuals,” explains Barros. “The truth is that you need outside inspiration and accountability to make your idea come to life, even if it’s a solo act like a painting or a novel.”
Co-founders Jennevive Barros, Brandy Leviner, David Mayorga and Michelle St. Angelo have worked together for many years on various projects, each repeatedly helping the other’s visions come to life. Producing workshops, production shows, wellness brands, activations, and even a musical, they became a productive team and began to analyze why. Those lessons were built into the fabric of Freed Artists and are now used to help other creatives break through the typical roadblocks.
Because the creative industry, unlike most corporate entities, runs through a cyclical rather than linear project timeline, artists often feel unproductive, lazy or stuck. Freed Artists' events, discussions and tools are meant to help makers embrace the natural cycles and continue to the next phases of their work.
“Creating is a vulnerable act, prone to breakdowns,” says Barros. “But Freed Artists is here to fix that."