
The Work In Action.
The Sankofa Artist Residency is the signature generative artist residency program at THE CR8TV HOUSE, created to honor the power of memory, legacy, and return. Inspired by the Akan principle of Sankofa — “to go back and fetch it” — the residency invites artists to slow down, reflect on their personal and collective histories as a source for future creation.
Each Sankofa Artist in Residence is selected for their ability to hold deep inquiry — to look back in order to imagine what’s next. Over the course of their time at THE CR8TV HOUSE, residents are supported with space, time, and resources to produce new work, engage community, and contribute to our living archive.
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Residencies often culminate in a public exhibition, CR8TV conversation and community engagement that brings together artists, neighbors, and cultural workers to explore how art can preserve memory, shape possibility and solve complex problems.
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The Sankofa Artist Residency sits at the heart of THE CR8TV HOUSE — bridging reflection and innovation, personal story and shared future, the home and the world. It embodies our belief that creativity is not only about making art, but about making meaning.
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CR8TV HOUSE Programs: Centering Legacy, Self Determination, and Creative Impact
At CR8TV HOUSE, our programs are rooted in shifting the narrative and power dynamics for Black artists in the arts, emphasizing the importance of stewarding our legacy and future on our own terms. Each initiative is intentionally designed to center artists and their communities, prioritizing the creation of work that holds deep meaning and transformative impact.
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The Sanctuary: A dedicated studio and exhibition/gathering space where Black and Brown artists can create, organize, and connect. As both a haven for artistic expression and a political home for arts-based activism, The Sanctuary empowers artists to shape culture and lead meaningful change within a safe, supportive environment.
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The CR8TV Exchange/Convo: A platform for artist talks, discussions, and shared learning. By fostering dialogue among artists and the community, The CR8TV Exchange amplifies voices, sparks collaboration, and highlights the critical role of creativity in building a more equitable future. This also includes our CR8TV CONVOS artist talk series.
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Workshops and Community Programming: From storytelling and artifact preservation to interdisciplinary collaborations, our workshops create opportunities for artists and the community to connect, learn, and co-create. These programs honor the rich histories of Black and Brown communities while exploring innovative pathways for the future.
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Through these offerings, CR8TV HOUSE is more than an arts institution—it is a movement to reclaim power, honor heritage, and build a future where Black creativity thrives on our terms. By centering the artists, their work, and its community impact, we ensure that our legacy is not only preserved but continues to inspire generations to come.

Community Archive Activation
Artists in residency will be encouraged to explore and contribute to our community archive, a treasured space that preserves the stories and artifacts of Black and Brown family life in Milwaukee and beyond. This intimate archive serves as a cultural repository, and by donating their work, artists and community members can enrich the collective narrative and honor the lived experiences of these communities.

Intimate Art Exhibitions + Events
The house will host intimate art exhibitions, offering artists a unique platform to showcase their work and allowing the community to connect with both the art and artists. These exhibitions will foster a sense of community and mutual appreciation, supporting local creativity and strengthening community bonds through shared artistic experiences.

Artist Workforce Development
The Sankofa Artist Residency aims to cultivate a place of belonging for artists of color, providing a safe and welcoming environment where they can explore what it means to be an artist. Free from the dogma of typical galleries and art institutions, this residency encourages creative freedom, personal growth, and authentic expression, fostering a supportive community that values and uplifts diverse voices and experiences.