Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Santiago.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Prior to starting ArtRepublic’s first initiative, I was an art dealer working primarily on corporate collections. I was working outside of the city for the most part and had been contemplating whether or not I could build the scale of the career I wanted in my hometown. In October of 2015, I heard a presentation by developer Mike Balanky who had been working with the team looking to develop The District. Mike’s presentation of the concept of urban development built around a healthy body, mind, and spirit really inspired me.
After that presentation, I shared my ideas with Mike about how developers would benefit from on-site art directors who could help mold not only the permanent collection of the development but ongoing programming that would continue to give identity, soul, and engagement to their projects.
With his vote of confidence and the inspiration for the new developments that were coming to our community, I developed the concept of ArtRepublic and our first-year programming. I knew if I wanted to stay at home and build my dream I was going to have to do a lot more than just sell art, I needed to help build the infrastructure of a thriving cultural city.
I knew that people like Mike and many that I met thereafter were going to evolve our city and I could either move to another city and plug into what was already defined or I could play a role in defining the trajectory of the cultural scene in Jacksonville. I considered it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and decided then I was going to shoot for the biggest visions I could to make Jax a cultural destination.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The greatest struggle was raising the private investment into the arts to accomplish the visions that I had. Jacksonville has one of the lowest public budgets for art and culture in the country so the initiatives had to be fully private funded.
The major corporations that typically carry the most of this budgeting in other cities do not have a strong focus on the arts so I had to get creative and galvanize a new demographic of philanthropists and brands to support our efforts.
It was also a challenge to work locally with a global perspective that at the time, had been solely hyper-locally focused. I will say, though, that the community quickly saw the value in building relationships with artists from around the world who were contributing to their city.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ArtRepublic Global?
We are Public art makers. A collective of the culturally connected. Storytellers. Our intention is to drive human connection, inspire collective wellbeing, stimulate the senses and intellect, and transform communities. We believe through the merging of art and technology we create coherence and shift consciousness
Engaged in our taste and relationships with world-class artists, we partner with municipalities, brands, academic institutions, and health organizations to design spaces and experiences. ArtRepublic’s purpose is to expand perspective, coherence, and connection in our world.
ArtRepublic Global is a curation agency specializing in contemporary digital art that creates artist collaborations for growth-oriented municipalities and brands. We harness the power of art to build identity and create engagement for our clients within the communities they serve.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
We are most noted for bringing exceptional taste in art and experience to our clients with a deep intention to wellness and meaningful context. We believe that we are shaped by the character of our surroundings and that by creating artistic experiences, beauty, and dignity in public spaces we help people realize aspiration.
We help cities and brands make a positive impact.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Www.ArtRepublicglobal.com
- Instagram: @artrepublicglobal
Image Credits
Matt BlueJay, Rodrigo Gaya, and World Red Eye
