Born out of necessity because we’re talking 20 years ago when Black history month came up or in general – i just did not see meaningful representation – not in galleries or doing their own shows or not on a level. There were some artists but no structure. My vision was to create a platform for people to display their work and collaborate and meet other artists and learn from each other – show the community at large to show that we’re here producing good work. I thought if we could do that – initially art shows – the goal was simply to have our work displayed in galleries – spaces that were intentional. That vision evolved as we started to do the music – having venues reflecting the quality of the art.
It’s grown exponentially – on any given weekend you can find black artists on stage and in collectives, featured in galleries. I feel that it’s been a privilege to be a part of the progress.
It’s lasted 20 years that don’t bring negativity and drama –
An artist and art lover; trusted community advocate and collaborator, founder and curator of 5 Artists 1 Love – Darren Jordan wears each hat with humility and with intentionality. Observing the lack of meaningful representation of Black creates in Edmonton, some 20 years ago he decided to take action. “My vision was to create a platform where people can display their work, and collaborate, and meet other artists and learn from each other – show the community at large that wen [Black creatives] are producing good work in spaces that were equitable to the quality of that work.”
The showcase quickly outgrew basements and hotel conference rooms to expansive spaces at the Alberta Art Gallery and the renowned Citadel Theatre. 5 Artists 1 Love also evolved from a visual arts display to now incorporate music, dance and spoken word elements that feed Edmonton’s leading cross-cultural platforms, centred on Black artists.
For Darren however, the most welcomed change has been in the increasing diversity of the audience and performers. “The cultural tapestry even within our community has shifted – The “Black Community” is complex.” Creating this safe space for engagement and to debut more and more young BIPOC artists will continue to propel his legacy well into the future.
During one of our earlier shows we had a large show with a lot of people involved and we were taking in Syrian refugees and we had a group of newcomers who had requested to be on stage and do a traditional dance. We had a drummer Ron Walker – indigenous drummer and he welcomed the newcomers. It was so apropo that he did the welcome. Sandwiched between some African drumming scene and it felt as though the world was on stage.
Recently we had the script written and we went through the script and what it means to be in the show. There are veterans and new ones. This one brother, only 19 and he looked around the room and got emotional – he didn’t know that there were so many Black people creating music and you can see.
AJ Louden’s rise from a graffiti artist – his contributions and what he’s done for youth. Always happy to come back
The next generation of artists and audience – it’s evolving – a lot of people I knew and had a direct connection with. As it moved it became more diverse culturally and I didn’t have a connection to them and I liked that – I lean into that – I love that new people are coming all the time. I find that the audience has grown – the cultural tapestry within our community the ‘Black community’ is complex – different cultures and communities – more Caribbean and West Indian but now there are those from the continent and people from the US and Europe and enjoying what’s unfolding and wanting to be with their people. They see a head nod or respect paid to their specific culture. It’s a neutral ground and safe space to be who we are. Doesn’t matter the political, cultural, sexual affiliation – they are all there and it sets us apart.
Going forward I want to see that diversity grow and the numbers to increase and I want to see new artists come out of the community. Every year there’s someone new.
