You Belong with Us.

Building and sustaining a creative community was never easy, and today, it is harder than ever. Most people are starved of community. You might be doing very well on your own—bills paid, vacation planned, and family blessed. Kudos to you. But what about the wider world? What about us?

College was one of the best seasons for Big Brotha’ Wilson for one reason—community. There were the professors and classmates, and then there were the cool juniors and seniors. They knew the system. They knew the best computers to work on and the best ways to “appropriate” fonts and software. The smartest students were computer lab monitors because they knew they could work anytime they wanted. Brotha’ Wilson became a lab monitor. There were many benefits to having a key to the lab. Additionally, you were responsible for the problems of the equipment and the people in the lab.

Design juniors and seniors had juicy stories to tell and lots of practical encouragement. A junior and Christian helped this brotha’ grab a prestigious internship at an advertising agency. Brotha’ was working behind his first professional desk before he even graduated. We saved time and sanity because we lived, worked, and had fun in a supportive community. We paid for it, literally, but it was a transformative time in all our lives. There were outsiders, but it was their decision. You can’t just take and not give—you need to care. A creative community should not end with graduation. Community and learning are lifetime pursuits. There will always be a next generation of creatives who will benefit from the compassionate attention and productive spaces we have built.?

A successful creative community is a symphony of teachers, students, structured (& unstructured) times & spaces, tools, and a commitment to goals and growth. Community among artists & creatives is the heartbeat of The Fam. Biz. Our heart is to bring individuals of all ages, colors, shapes, sizes, and flavas’ together for good works and Father God’s glory. Jesus Christ allows us to live, work, and prosper together. He enhances the quality of our hearts and multiplies our good works. Jesus makes unity possible. You can do life alone or with a small circle of those somewhat like you OR do more good by becoming a part and partner of a wider creative community.?

The Fam. Biz. is building the foundation of a city-wide effort to equip and empower our creative brothers and sisters by seeking out investors and patrons with hearts as big as ours. We are not building a university, but small community art centers that are safe spaces for individuals to grow in faith and good works. Gospel hearts desire the salvation, sanctification, and redemption of the whole person. If Father God made you to be an artist—be an artist. If you appreciate artists and the power of creativity—support artists.

We are here to help individuals make the most of their God-given talents, time, and treasures. One person, community, or church can’t build a diverse and healthy artist community, but a unified effort can do great good across the city. Join us, as investors, patrons, struggling artists, professional creatives, and/or curious wanderers, in the effort to do a whole lotta good for Chicago and beyond!

Sincerely, Michael of Big Brotha’ Wilson and The Fam. Biz.

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