Meet Toni Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Williams.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I grew up in Wichita, Kansas and music was everything to me. Despite my inclination towards piano, voice, and entrepreneurship there wasn’t much room for me to consider a creative career because of familial expectations to pursue a vocation similar to my parents who are both dentists. However, I always kept my love for the arts alive.

After obtaining my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Wichita State University, I felt drawn to Atlanta. I moved to the city with $1000 and an unshakeable belief it would all work out. Shortly after my arrival I was working as a pharmacy technician and eventually lead training for pharm techs. All the while I nurtured my love for music and opened a studio at the Arts in Exchange in Grant Park. The studio at the Arts Exchange enabled me to curate events that served as a creative platform for myself and other local artists in the community. Continuing to divide energy between my day job in healthcare and my passion for music and culture, I simultaneously completed my master’s in Public Health in Informatics at Emory University. Despite my career successes in healthcare, my passion for curating events in the city with the vision of sparking connection and uplifting community through art grew to another level.

I established my company, Cultivating Cultures, LLC in 2015. CC started as a way to give to the city by curating events that highlight creative and diverse groups, such as local artists and the LGBTQ community (TASTE), by doing what I love most – connecting people. While the mission has remained the same, my role has evolved. Where before, I was independently envisioning and executing CC events, now companies hire me to engage and attract an inclusive community within their spaces – whether that is through consulting on events or acting as liaison for public art projects.

My latest work consulting for WRS involves revitalization efforts and conscious intersectional placemaking in Underground Atlanta. I’m passionate about this work and excited that it has provided me with an opportunity to obtain my commercial real estate license in order to make the biggest impact in this space. Given the rich history and culture that Underground Atlanta has embodied in the city over years, it has been refreshing to work amongst a team that is thinking outside of the box to preserve the legacy of the area. As a personal initiative, preserving culture directly aligns with serving as a liaison to represent local artists and businesses for opportunities on the property to truly represent the resilience and vibrancy of the city.

Please tell us about your art.
I am a connector. I create events that engage community and provide an inclusive space where art and culture are the common ground. I am a consultant for conscious place making for businesses who appreciate the value of arts in their neighborhoods. I do what I do because I believe that artists are angels saving the world and I am on the same mission. I am carried and inspired by my ancestors who sacrificed everything so that I might have these opportunities and be free to liberate others. I hope that my life is a testament to continuing a legacy of believing and showing that all things are possible when you align your dreams with intention and passion.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
The best advice for artists/creatives that I have is to truly embrace the art of networking. Also, a key point is to keep your network diverse by stepping out of your comfort zone. Meet people and engage with others outside of your usual circle and make authentic connections. I highly recommend meeting in-person when possible to promote the most impactful relationship building.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Follow @cultivatingcultures and @_toni_tones to find out about events and come out! Buy the art, go to the concerts, support the artists that you discover through us. Encourage businesses to invest in community and culture. If you have a business and need assistance with services such as, creative consulting in commercial real estate, commissioning a mural, hosting an art show or concert, send me a note!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cultivatingcultures.com
• Email: cultivating.cultures@gmail.com
• Instagram: @_toni_tones

Image Credit:
1) Toni Williams (personal photos) – Photographer: Quintin Wojcik
2) Underground Pillars – Photographer: Zephaniah Peterson, Artist: Travis Love
3) TASTE – Photographer: Kelley Raye
4) X Spaces – Photographer: Kelley Raye, Artist: Laith Healey

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