Summer is in full swing and we are slogging along through the Richmond humidity. We’ve been busy with lots of big and exciting projects–– some we can’t share just yet and others that you can read more about

When the decision to send abortion rights back to state governments came down from the Supreme Court in June, artists at Studio Two Three dropped everything and hit the presses.

A newcomer to Studio Two Three might notice humming printing presses, people huddled around computer tablets discussing a design, or its compact retail area displaying T-shirts, buttons, posters and prints. What’s less evident is the commitment to action that is central to the organization.

“Get up, get down, Richmond is a union town!”

Chants, cheers and tears of joy filled the event space of Studio Two Three on Tuesday afternoon as organizers from five Richmond Starbuck stores watched as their workplaces became the first in the state to unionize.

Last summer, Studio Two Three’s do-it-yourself ethos echoed throughout the protests in Richmond. From producing thousands of masks for essential workers to collaborating with local artists, the nonprofit served the Richmond community throughout the pandemic.

From producing face masks to highlighting local artists during coronavirus and the Black Lives Matter movement, Studio Two Three is uplifting their community as a resource on the ground. After celebrating their tenth anniversary late last year, Studio Two Three decided it was time to reevaluate their mission with an eye toward the future

“The primary goal has always been to be a space for artists to have access to resources, tools, and community,” said Kate Fowler, Development Director at Studio Two Three. “Our new mission and vision are to make art, and to make change — to use art as a tool for social, personal, and structural change.”

A Richmond art organization is printing a message across the city: “DEFEND BLACK LIFE!”

The phrase, often written in the negative space of a rainbow, can be seen printed on T-shirts and jackets, posters and banners throughout Richmond. Each one was printed by Studio Two Three, a Richmond grassroots organization that has held three free print events at the Lee monument — now known colloquially as the Marcus-David Peters Circle — in recent weeks.

Do it for others. Do it for love. Do it for kindness. We don’t really care why you do it — just Mask Up, RVA. Sporting a facemask isn’t political, it’s smart. It shows self-discipline, self-sacrifice, and a commitment to community. That’s why we’ve teamed up with photographer Nick Davis to launch the “Mask Up, RVA” series.

These are the people who roll up their sleeves during a crisis. These are the people who proactively find solutions and look for ways to use their unique talents. These are the people that give us no excuse not to mask up.

This is a guide for people who want to explore various ways of studying, practicing, and showing up for anti-racism work. While these resources are geared towards teens and young adults, this guide includes resources for people of all ages, races, and abilities.

In recent days, thousands of Richmonders have flooded the streets to demand justice for the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other unarmed black Americans by police officers, protesting police brutality and centuries of racial injustice. We’ve witnessed the tear-gassing of peaceful demonstrators and the defacing of Confederate monuments — followed by the announcement of their removal and Mayor Levar Stoney’s promises to implement the Marcus Alert for those experiencing a mental health crisis and to establish a Citizen Review Board to provide oversight to the Richmond Police Department. We offer the following recommendations and resources to show solidarity with Richmond’s black community.

The fund was set up by CultureWorks along with seven other arts and culture organizations in Richmond, including 1708 Gallery, Afrikana Film Festival, ART 180, Iridian Gallery, Studio Two Three, Black American Artists Alliance of Richmond, Visual Arts Center of Richmond, and Oakwood Arts. These groups formed a coalition that fundraises for and distributes the funds. Frye said the coalition decided that funds would be distributed to those in communities that are usually at a socioeconomic disadvantage first and foremost.