40 Under 40: Jordia Benjamin is an accomplished leader in the arts
Photo / Tim Greenway
Jordia Benjamin, the executive director of the Indigo Arts Alliance, has a range of experience in the arts, higher education and nonprofits.
Executive director, Indigo Arts Alliance Find profiles of all the 40 Under 40 honorees here.
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Significant professional accomplishments: Over the years, I have had several that I’m particularly proud of. The ones that have a really special place are those that continue to have an impact today. Twelve years ago, under the auspices of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, I created the first teachers arts resource guide (over 100 pages) that provided an arts curriculum for each grade school level based on Bahamian artists and history. The guide is still in use today.
In addition to this educational guide, I fostered a program allowing gifted emerging Bahamian artists to exhibit their work alongside Bahamian masters in conjunction with the gallery, many of whom are now represented by international galleries and have exhibited in international museums.
Nine years ago, while at the Saint Louis Art Museum, I oversaw the teen council and I’m proud to say, several of those teens pursued college degrees in arts and are now gainfully employed full time in the field. At Colby College Museum of Art, I launched a virtual art and wellness program that had over 70,000-plus views on YouTube which also assisted wellness professionals during the pandemic.
Presently, my work at Indigo Arts Alliance allows me to advance the professional development of Black and Brown artists aligning with my moral compass. With an amazing team, we are able to advance through our residency program, the artistic excellence of local/national and global creatives.
Passion project: A project that has been in my heart for a while is to develop a family archive through documenting a collection of stories via text and video.
Audacious goal: Being from the Bahamas, I would love to be a conduit for other Caribbean youth to pursue, grow and achieve their dreams in the arts, by way of mentorship or through scholarships.
Favorite quote: “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” — Maya Angelou
Influential book: “All About Love,” by bell hooks
Favorite movies/TV shows: Rom-coms have my heart
How do you recharge: Meditation, yoga, naps, short sunbaths, outdoor walks, quality time with family and friends.
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