GRID Gallery is on a Mission to Empower Queer BIPOC Photographers

At the heart of the eclectic energy of Wickenden Street is GRID Gallery, a nonprofit organization founded with the mission of serving the community of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), and LGBTQIA2S+ photographers in Providence. Its goal is simple but powerful: to provide these artists with the tools, mentorship, and community they need to thrive in an industry where their voices have long been marginalized.

“We are creating a public commons space for Queer and BIPOC photographers, where they can find not just a platform to showcase their work, but also opportunities for professional development,” says Nacho Amor, the gallery’s executive director. “We’re helping these artists navigate the often murky waters of the art world, from getting their work in galleries to learning how to price it and network effectively.”

One of the key services GRID Gallery offers is its professional development programs for Rhode Island School of Design students and other emerging artists. Through workshops, mentorship, and networking events, the gallery equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an often exclusionary industry. Topics range from how to build a strong artist brand to the business side of art and networking with industry professionals.

“The goal is to provide these artists with the tools to succeed on their own terms,” Amor explains. “That means dismantling the barriers created by privilege, systemic racism, and classism that continue to dominate the art world.”

The challenges faced by Queer and BIPOC photographers are compounded by the industry’s long history of being controlled by predominantly white gatekeepers. Despite a growing movement toward diversity, many galleries still fail to offer a meaningful platform for underrepresented voices. GRID Gallery challenges this status quo by ensuring that the artists it showcases are not just tokenized but celebrated for the depth and richness of their work.

GRID’s approach is both fresh and necessary in today’s art scene. The gallery curates exhibitions that spark conversation and create a space for critical dialogue. “We select artists whose work creates unexpected and thought-provoking juxtapositions,” says Amor. “We’re not interested in simply fitting a mold – we want to showcase pieces that push boundaries and challenge perceptions.”

Looking to the future, GRID Gallery has big plans. In spring 2025, the gallery will launch a lecture series titled Breaking Barriers: A Guide to Navigating the Art Market for Queer BIPOC Photographers and Their Allies. The series will focus on three key areas: building a strong artist brand, understanding the business of art, and networking within the industry. It’s an exciting opportunity for both emerging artists and those already established, as it will feature guest speakers who are leaders in the art world, all of whom are committed to shifting the power dynamics in the industry.

As an artist and advocate, Amor’s passion for empowering Queer and BIPOC photographers is deeply personal. He brings years of experience working with nonprofit organizations and a deep understanding of the hurdles faced by marginalized artists. “I’ve always wanted to create a space where people like me – artists, Queer folks, people of color – could thrive. GRID is that space,” he shares. “It’s not just about putting up art on the wall; it’s about creating a network, a community that supports and uplifts each other.”

By attending exhibitions, engaging with the artists, and contributing financially, locals help ensure that this important resource remains accessible for future generations of Queer and BIPOC photographers. “We want to be a resource not just for artists, but for the entire community,” says Amor. “Art has the power to bring people together, to open minds and hearts. We want to help people see the world from different perspectives.” Learn more at GRIDGallery.org and @gridgallery.ri