Hidden Gems: Meet Tell and Justin of The Archive Collective Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to The Archive Collective Inc.

The Archive Collective Inc., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all began with recognizing a significant gap in support for aspiring artists, which fueled our motivation to build a community around art. In our community, we noticed a lack of information, access, and resources for young people interested in careers in the arts. With art programs disappearing from many schools, children lose the opportunity to explore their creative sides, hindering their development as individuals and knowledge of opportunities and pathways to pursue their desired artistic outlet.
The job market has been evolving, with a growing demand for creatives. Opportunities in social media, graphic design, and other creative fields are becoming more abundant. At The Archive, we aim to educate and nurture the youth, serving as an incubator for their creative career success. By providing the support and resources they need, we strive to help the next generation of artists flourish.
Tell Beall hosted the first workshop under The Archive’s name in December of 2022. With the understanding of the opportunity for impact and the need for collaboration to build a true business, Tell and Justin Laryea joined forces for the development of the nonprofit, and The Archive was born. Together they connected their communities, spread the word about The Archive’s mission, and incorporated the business over the next year. As of 2024, The Archive Collective Inc. is a nationally recognized nonprofit beginning community events, workshops, and panels with the goal of creative career education and empowering creatives as they grow into young professionals.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The formation of a nonprofit required us to not only be committed to running a business but fulfilling our mission. The obstacles we faced ranged from registering and having our name denied to having to find a new banker who would return our calls. We endured the turnover of team members, missed opportunities from being underdeveloped, and not having the money to properly fund our formation. We have been fortunate to have a community looking for ways to support us at every turn.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Archive Collective Inc.?
We are known for being a hub that promotes, connects, and fosters creatives in our community to empower them in the pursuit of their full potential. We are partnering with local organizations to connect youth who aspire to have creative careers with the creative professionals in our community. We are hosting community events to highlight our network of creative professionals and entrepreneurs as well as educate about their respective industries. We are providing opportunities for the youth to learn, gain experience, and earn scholarship toward their creative and professional goals.

We are a black owned Atlanta based nonprofit. We are looking for organizational partners to collaborate on workshops and panels, volunteers, interns, grant writers, and the support from our Atlanta creative community to give back to the next generation.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
How to be an Artist by Jerry Saltz
Studio Noize Podcast by Jamaal Barber
Walkie Talkie Podcast Series – Paulie B via YouTube
The Disco (blog)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thearchive.my.canva.site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thearchive.atl/
• Other: https://givebutter.com/thearchivecollective

Image Credits
Justin Laryea (@justin.j1k)