Artist Collective
Where Creativity Becomes Opportunity.
The Daybreak Artist Collective is the foundation of our creative ecosystem, giving seniors and adults experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity access to the space, resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to create, learn, connect, share, earn, and lead.
A shared philosophy and infrastructure connects the Artist Collective program across disciplines, while each creative discipline has its own resources and opportunities. Together, these interconnected opportunities create a creative ecosystem where artists can discover what they are capable of, develop their talents, contribute to their communities, and determine where their creativity can take them.
The Creative Resources
Creative Space
A reliable, accessible place to create. This is the physical foundation: Open Studio, work tables, supplies, storage, and a welcoming place to work.
Creative Materials
The practical tools artists need. Art supplies, artwork storage, information, equipment, professional resources, transportation, and other supports that reduce barriers to participation.
Creative Community
A place to belong. This includes relationships between artists, peer connection, collaboration, gatherings, shared experiences, and connection with the broader creative community.
Creative Experiences
Opportunities to experience art and culture beyond the studio. Field trips, museums, galleries, performances, artist studios, cultural events, and creative spaces.
Creative Learning
Opportunities to learn and develop. This includes workshops, teaching artists, skill-building, and opportunities to try something new.
Creative Income
Opportunities to turn creativity into economic opportunity. Artwork sales, exhibitions, commissions, performances, teaching, creative services, and other paid opportunities.
The Creative Pathway
In the Artist Collective program, artists move through a creative pathway that begins with access and grows toward development, connection, public recognition, economic opportunity, and leadership.
CREATE → DEVELOP → CONNECT → SHARE → EARN → LEAD.
CREATE
"I want to make something."
We provide access to the materials, space, and supportive community that artists need to explore their creativity and make art. Through open studio time and free supplies, participants can create without barriers and discover or reconnect with their artistic interests.
DEVELOP
"I want to become a better artist."
We help artists strengthen their creative practice through workshops, hands-on skill building, and individualized support. Participants explore new disciplines, develop their artistic voice, build portfolios, and gain the skills and confidence to pursue creative goals. Participants are able to access advanced educational training through Next Horizon Academy.
CONNECT
"I want to be part of an artistic community."
We create opportunities for artists to build relationships with one another and with the broader community. Through collaboration, artist gatherings, community partnerships, and shared creative experiences, participants develop meaningful connections and become part of a larger creative community.
SHARE
"I want people to see or experience my work."
We create platforms for artists to share their work and stories with the public. Through exhibitions, live painting performances, publications, press interviews, public art, and community events, artists have opportunities to be seen, heard, recognized, and celebrated for their creativity and contributions.
EARN
"I want my creativity to generate income."
We connect artists with opportunities to generate income through their creative skills. Artists can earn through artwork sales, commissions, live painting, photography, teaching, and creative services—turning artistic talent into meaningful economic opportunity, including recurring paid teaching opportunities through Gigi’s Creative Corner.
LEAD
"I want to help other artists."
We create opportunities for Daybreak Artists to learn from one another, share their skills, and grow as leaders through peer mentorship, teaching, and artist leadership. As artists grow within the Collective, they can take on new roles as mentors, teachers, and leaders. Learn more about our Artist Leadership Program.
The Creative Disciplines
We currently provide supplies and equipment for a wide range of disciplines, including:
Drawing & Painting
Photography & Digital Media
Fiber Arts & Sewing
Mixed Media & Collage
3D & Sculpture
Jewelry Making
Printmaking
Music
Writing
Artist Resources & Opportunities
Studio & Gallery
Our multifunctional East Nashville location along bus route #23 operates as an art studio and gallery space for artists impacted by homelessness and housing insecurity.
Our studio offers a safe, creative environment where artists can make and store their work, explore new techniques, and experience the healing power of artmaking. It serves as a reliable space for both artistic growth and personal stability.
To further support artist well-being, we stock and maintain a small kitchenette with snacks, a microwave, refrigerator, and other essentials. This helps ensure artists have access to basic nourishment and a welcoming space to rest, recharge, and stay focused during long creative sessions.
Our on-site gallery allows us to showcase the talents of our artists through monthly exhibitions, participation in neighborhood art crawls, art consultations with prospective buyers, and public events throughout the year.
Artistic Supplies
All art supplies and equipment are provided at no cost to artists in our Artist Collective, removing a major barrier to creating art.
We also provide access to studio tools, easels, storage, and other workspace essentials that support creative exploration across mediums.
Donate Supplies!
You can directly support our mission by organizing an Art Supply Drive or making an in-kind donation of materials. For more information, please contact our Program Engagement Director at ashley@daybreakarts.org.
Training & Learning
Workshops provide our artists access to artistic and entrepreneurial training. These sessions provide hands-on opportunities to build new skills, explore different creative mediums, and gain confidence in their craft. Workshops also foster connection, introducing artists to local creatives, visiting instructors, and members of the broader arts community.
Our program is further enriched by offsite field trips to museums, galleries, and artists’ working studios. These outings provide inspiration, cultural access, and real-world exposure to the professional arts ecosystem.
We also support sponsored independent learning opportunities, such as participation in the Arts & Business Council’s Periscope: Artist Entrepreneur Training program and other local mentorships—empowering artists to deepen their practice and pursue long-term creative and economic success.
Exhibitions & Marketplace
Our artists develop working portfolios, showcase works in the Daybreak Arts Gallery, and exhibit in local galleries and businesses in Nashville, TN.
In addition to consistent in-person exhibitions, artists can access our online marketplace, marketing platforms, and additional creative income opportunities like commissions, murals, and teaching so they can gain greater financial independence.
Daybreak artists earn 70% commission on original artwork sales and 25% on reproductions (merchandise) with their designs. Daybreak artists also earn income through teaching artist stipends, live painting, and intellectual property licenses. Daybreak Arts reinvests its portion of earned income back into the organization to continue to provide the space and resources at no-cost to our artists, establishing a sustainable social enterprise model.
Strengthen Daybreak Artists’ Financial Futures
“Being on disability, I have a very limited income. Being able to make a little bit of extra money through art, even if it’s $25, $50 or a $100 a month, that can sometimes be food for the last week of the month that I might not normally have. When a piece sells, I often have just enough to do little bit extra. It’s life altering.”
—Tré “Deuce” Ronin
Artist Collective Impact
Through engagement in our Artist Collective program, Daybreak artists grow their artistic and entrepreneurial skills, create and sell original artwork, exhibit in a variety of public spaces, and gain exposure to various career opportunities in the arts in order to earn creative income and increase their independence.
By increasing access to arts-based and nontraditional employment, the Artist Collective addresses key barriers to income and housing—creating pathways toward stability, confidence, and long-term success.
Artist Earnings by Fiscal Year
Help us make an even bigger impact this year!
Artist Testimonials
Watch our Artist Testimonials video featuring Daybreak artists Bandy, Kateri, Edwin Lockridge, and Tré “Deuce” Ronin!
Video by Lisa Carrott @lisacarrot