The Creative Pioneers Fellowship is a groundbreaking collaboration between Juxtaposition Arts (JXTA) and The Bureau Co, designed to empower the next generation of creative leaders. Launched in Fall 2024, this 12-week transformative program brings together 8 emerging youth artists with mentorship from industry experts in design, product manufacturing, and marketing.
The Result? A stunning clothing collection and powerful visual campaign that highlights Black figures in honor of Black History Month. All proceeds from the launch directly support education and programming within JXTA.
Under the leadership of Bobby Rogers and Fadumo Ali, the fellows engaged in an immersive educational experience, learning the intricacies of creative campaigns, including:
- Creative Direction, Photography, Design, and Project Management: Fellows shadowed and studied industry experts, gaining experience in each facet.
- Concept Development and Production: From brainstorming ideas to creating mood boards and professional design decks, the fellows learned the complete creative production process.
- Guest Speakers & Industry Engagement: Through sessions with guest speakers and creative professionals, fellows expanded their networks and industry knowledge.
This holistic approach allowed participants to not only hone their craft but also understand the strategic and narrative aspects of creative leadership.
The fellowship culminated in the creation of a clothing collection and visual campaign that celebrates Black figures in honor of Black History Month.
This collection isn’t just about apparel—it’s about youth empowerment and honoring the legacy of those who paved the way for future generations to create, thrive, and inspire. The campaign is a testament to the power of creative storytelling and community impact, with all proceeds supporting JXTA’s education and programming efforts.
Click on the link to explore the collection.
The Creative Pioneers Fellowship aims to break down systemic barriers within the creative industries, especially for young artists of color facing historical disadvantages. This initiative seeks to equip early-to-mid-career creatives with the skills, tools, and experiences necessary to shape the industry’s future. Grounded in Black History as a source of inspiration and growth, the program emphasizes storytelling, strategy, and execution—demonstrating that creative direction is more than just design; it’s about impactful narrative-building.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” -Malcolm X
He/Him
Advanced Apprentice
Adair Carroll made a remarkable impact through his distinctive portrait style, capturing eleven Black female figures of the Black Power movement. His designs, featured on t-shirts, serve as powerful tributes to these civil rights icons, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire future generations. This project marked a pivotal moment in Adair’s artistic journey—the first time his work was showcased on clothing—opening new doors for his career in graphic design. Through the fellowship, he not only amplified his artistic voice but also explored the intersection of fashion and visual storytelling. His journey exemplifies the power of creativity to honor the past while shaping the future.