Why I Named It Emerging Creatives
- Nicole Collie-Jamison
- Oct 19
- 2 min read
When I first named this community Emerging Creatives, I received a lot of pushback. Some established artists didn’t like being labeled “emerging,” and I understood that perspective. But for me, the name isn’t about status or experience — it’s about growth, learning, and continual evolution.
No matter where we are in life or in our craft, we can always improve. We can always learn something new. We can always grow. And that’s exactly the spirit I wanted this community to embody: a space that gives a voice to the voiceless, a place where creatives can be seen, heard, and supported.
Being an emerging creative doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch. I might be a painter, but I’m learning mosaic tiling or furniture making. I’m never 100% finished with the creative process — there’s always something more to explore, something more to refine.
This space is for anyone — regardless of background or skill level — to feel comfortable asking questions, learning from others, and sharing their work. It’s about creating meaningful connections, where even established artists are open to conversation and mentorship, and where everyone has the opportunity to grow.
That’s why it’s called Emerging Creatives — because growth never stops, and there’s always room to learn, share, and evolve together.
When I started Emerging Creatives, I didn’t have a brick-and-mortar space. I began with the HEALinc Summit in Nassau (2019), which I curate every year, but I was always on the lookout for spaces to showcase art. I started small — barbershops, coffee shops — but as we’ve grown, we’ve had some incredible opportunities.
We’ve hosted shows in high-end restaurants like Del Frisco in Fort Worth and 1ER Cru Wine Bar in Nassau, The Bahamas. We hold annual art shows at Weatherford College in Texas and have partnered with other nonprofits to teach art to underserved kids. Watching a student put paint on a canvas for the first time and seeing their imagination unfold — whether through origami, clay, or painting — is truly magical.
We also collaborate with nonprofits on fundraisers and art shows, giving artists a platform to share their work and grow. As Emerging Creatives grows, so do the artists in our community, and being part of that journey is deeply rewarding.
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this community has given me — meeting diverse creatives, artists, and supporters of the arts. I’ve come to understand how important being in a good headspace is for mental health, and for me, living in that headspace now means creating all the time.
That's a veryy good read thank you.I realised i need to work on my artist biography adding my achievements and exhibitions i have featured in.