Amplifying Black Voices in the Arts

Organizations like D-Composed and ILA Creative Studio are redefining representation in their respective spaces. Through educational programming, community events, and resources, these organizations are working toward a more inclusive future in the arts.

D-Composed 

D-Composed is redefining the classical music experience by spotlighting Black composers. This Black Chamber Music Collective celebrates Black culture and creativity through the music of Black composers. Founder Kori Coleman and her team are working to address the gap in representation in classical music by uplifting those voices and history. 

“One of the things I like to ask people is, can you confidently name at least five Black composers? Very few hands go up… We exist to change that.” 

Kori Coleman
Founder
D-Composed

With programs such as musical story times, educational concerts, and family events, they connect the community with the rich contributions of Black composers. D-Composed expands classical music beyond its traditional space. Their approach bridges disciplines, collaborating between Black composers and other art forms. Additionally, D-Composed has a program called D-Compressed—a safe space for music and meditation featuring the music of Black composers, promoting both cultural appreciation and mental wellness. 

ILA Creative Studio 

ILA (I Love Art) Creative Studio founder Rachel Gadson says artists’ main concern is the lack of accessibility to resources such as funding and relationships.  

“You cannot say [‘I love art’] without acknowledging the artist that created the art,” said Gadson.

The studio collective supports Black artists through educational workshops, curated events, and connections to resources designed to help them thrive. ILA creates a community where Black artists can flourish and expand their creative impact in an industry that has historically marginalized their voices.  

Recently, ILA Creative Studio launched the BLACC app (Bold Leaders in Art for Culture and Community) to serve as a central hub. It better connects artists to resources such as funding, grants, and partnerships. Gadson says app membership doubled from 40 at the launch to 80 artists in just a short time, demonstrating strong demand for these resources. 

Working Toward a More Equitable Future in the Arts 

D-Composed and ILA Creative Studio are both committed to celebrating Black artists and creativity. Both organizations uplift Black voices and experiences through art, while also addressing barriers that have long hindered representation in the field. 

Both organizations initially received funding from the Young Leaders Fund (YLF), an affinity fund of The Chicago Community Trust. Through this support, they were introduced to another affinity fund, African American Legacy (AAL), which has played a crucial role in helping D-Composed and ILA Creative Studio expand their community reach. Coleman says the funds allowed D-Composed to maximize their impact and create a presence in new places. With the support of the grant, D-Composed has been able to expand into schools, introducing the youth to the music of Black composers. Meanwhile, the funding allowed ILA Creative Studio to invest in its marketing and promotions, hiring staff to enhance its outreach. Gadson says this will allow their work to be more amplified and accessible to artists and community members on the South side.  

“We’re standing on the shoulders of folks who have created such a magnificent path for us to be the artists we are today. We hope to exist to make sure that we acknowledge the past so that we can stay fortified in our present and so that we can then make progressive moves for our future.” 

Rachel Gadson
Founder
ILA Creative Studio

By breaking barriers and fostering inclusive spaces, D-Composed and ILA Creative Studio are not only celebrating Black history, but they are also creating it.