Institute of Black Imagination.
Exploring new worlds and new possibilities.
Mastering Your Story with Lena Waithe
In this enlightening chat, Lena shares her roots, tracing back to her grandmother's brave journey from Arkansas to Chicago. We explore the concept of identity, her take on 'ladylike,' and how she's embraced her individuality. Lena reflects on how societal expectations shape identity and the importance of curiosity and meaningful conversations.
Black Imagination at The Oculus.
IBI Space 001 transforms retail into a haven for Black Imagination. A concept store anchored by the archives of multi-hyphenate artist Geoffrey Holder, it's a multipurpose hub for creativity. Featuring design artifacts from across the diaspora, it blurs public and private, providing a modular space for a variety of programs and initiatives.
A Wealth of Knowledge.
The IBI Archive is comprised of a growing collection of books sourced from some of the most dynamic creative luminaries of our time. Currently, the archive features over 1,900 books and periodicals from the library of multi-hyphenate Geoffrey Holder (The Wiz, Annie, The Metropolitan Opera, etc), and over 1,700 volumes from the archive of Andre Leon Talley (former Creative Director of Vogue).
Supporting the Next Generation.
The IBI Fellowship offers an annual opportunity to ignite the creative journey of early-career multidisciplinary professionals. This year-long program is meticulously crafted to empower emerging creatives. At the heart of the IBI Fellowship is a commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the diverse voices of emerging creatives from all backgrounds. Join us on this transformative journey of creative exploration and growth.
