RAW: Natural Born Artists

If you’re a creative type, how do you spread the word about your work? At all points in their careers, artists, musicians, film makers and designers can find it tricky to reach their target audience and get their work known. If this sounds like you, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear that an international community designed to support up-coming independent artists has now come to the UK. Last week I attended the first London showcase from RAW: natural born artists, an independent arts organisation created by artists, for artists. Their mission is to provide independent artists within the first 10 years of their career with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity. RAW currently operates in nearly 60 cities across the United States, Australia, Canada… and now they’ve made London their first European base. Their website explains how it all works:

Our RAW Directors hand-pick and spotlight local artistic talent in film, fashion, music, visual art, hair & makeup artistry, and performance art. With artists from all genres in each showcase, RAW events come together to form an amazing one-night circus of creativity. These showcases occur once a month in each city location. Our RAW season runs from February-October and comes to an extravagant end with our indie arts awards show RAWards in Hollywood.

What can you expect when attending a RAW Showcase? You’ll experience an independent film (usually a short, webisode or music video), a fashion show from an up-and-coming local designer, a musical performance, an art gallery featuring several independent visual artists and photographers, and performance art (comedy/dance/fire dancers, you name it…). You’ll get a little taste of everything. Combine all this creativity with drinks, fun, and good company! To partake in the experience, RSVP and purchase a ticket to any of our 60 monthly, city showcases by clicking on the city tab at the top of the homepage!

I was invited along to the London showcase by talented lingerie designer and Rarely Wears Lipstick favourite Eva Lai, whose brand eLai had been chosen to feature in the catwalk show. After wandering around the art displays, watching a short film, listening to some music and watching an art performance, it was finally time for the fashion show. I managed to snap a couple of pics of eLai’s stunning leather and silk chiffon creations, and also grabbed a shot of the designer posing with her gorgeous models after the show (see left). In addition to Eva, the RAW London showcase also featured fellow London College of Fashion alumnae: Michele Hartmann, whose gorgeous footwear really turned my head; and Lindsey Tait, creator of beautiful and unusual leather accessories. Whilst listening to a musical performance by Stergin, I also bumped into another LCF graduate – Chloe Hope King, founder of Esoteric London. She has some interesting new products planned for the end of the year, so keep your eye on her website.

I had a fantastic evening at the first RAW showcase in London, and would definitely recommend checking out the next one on 27th November at Proud Camden if you like to discover and support new talent. If you’re a London-based artist and would like to feature in a future showcase, register on the site and someone will be in touch. I hope to see you at the next one!

Top image via the rawartistsmedia Flickr photostream. Second image by lipsticklori.