Antonio Jefferson opened his photography studio in DUMBO, Brooklyn, in April 2023 to support Black and LGBTQ artists in their pursuit of full-time artistic careers. He identified a lack of community support and knowledge for these individuals, who often consider creative endeavors as hobbies rather than professions. Jefferson emphasized the community's hesitance towards the arts, stating that many do not pursue their gifts due to fears and discrimination. He learned photography while living overseas and faced numerous challenges in securing studio spaces before establishing his own.
"Don't give up," says Antonio Jefferson, a photographer who opened his DUMBO studio in April 2023 in part to support up-and-coming creatives.
The Black community isn't very supportive of individuals who want to pursue an arts career, which leaves many would-be creatives without the support and knowledge needed to tap into what makes them special.
In the Black community, when you go into arts, it's like, it's not safe, it's very scary. It isn't that we don't have the support, it's that we don't have the knowledge.
Jefferson often felt discriminated against when booking a studio for shoots. Many studio owners wouldn't accept the booking or would stand around while he used the space to monitor him.
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