Today we’d like to introduce you to Kahiah Polidore.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kahiah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For such a long time, I wanted to find a way to add something to the art world that could be of value. Growing up, I was a military kid and I had the experience of traveling and living a few places. Wanting to remember all the places that made me feel like home is how photography became my medium. From there, I started to explore conceptually identity, home, and military as a genre and reoccurring theme in my work. In 2014, I remember graduating from UH (University of Houston) and feeling like I wasn’t published and accomplished enough to be an artist in the real world, but my main concern was not using all my money on call for entries. At that time is when I first started to think of The Dore Collective, but I held on to it as a dream when I moved to Atlanta. It wasn’t until November 2017 that I became serious and really wanted to provide a space to help emerging artists gain exposure without the hassle of worrying about money. I launched The Dore Collective on February 26, 2018, as my initiative to showcase photography and visual art for emerging photographers. It was something I wanted to gift myself, giving it part of my last name pronounced “Dory” I wanted to use myself as a resource for artists worrying about building their CV’s. Over the past year, I have learned so much and implemented so many ideas for Dore. I have great contributors from all over the US helping me find great work and judging calls, and they have also become great friends. My goal for the end of 2019 is to finally push Dore over to become a print publication.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been easy, and when I first started I was excited but drained. I always have to restrategize and figure out what works and what will people respond too. When is the right time to reach out for partnerships, how do I social media market myself, where can I post my call for entries, etc? There were some months were because I was working 2-3 jobs, I didn’t have time to put up an exhibition on time. Creating a team and asking for help has truly helped me!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Dore Collective – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
The Dore Collective is an online publication that exhibits monthly photography and visual arts. As the founder and director, I create open calls for entry themes, newsletters, handling social media and tracking our progress and analytics. and maintain the website and run our social media. I think what Dore Collective is known for are their free calls for entry but also the exposure it’s providing. I am so proud that people from all over the United States have taken the time to submit and all of the great work I have seen thus far.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the art and culture of Atlanta and the community I’ve made since being here. I’m still astonished that I live somewhere where the Civil Rights movement was prominent, and I really enjoy being around the history of Atlanta. One thing I hate is the traffic!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thedorecollective.com
- Email: kpolidore@thedorecollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedorecollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedorecollective/
Image Credit:
Astin Shrader, Shine Huang
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
