In this episode of The Truth In This Art Podcast, host Rob Lee interviews Crystal Wamalwa, CEO and founder of audaCITY. Crystal shares her journey of starting audaCITY in 2019 to promote black art and artists. She discusses the importance of community, collaboration, and authenticity in the art scene, particularly in Baltimore. Crystal recounts her bold networking experiences and emphasizes intentionality in building relationships. The episode highlights the upcoming audaCITY Tour in Baltimore, featuring diverse performances and vendors. Rob and Crystal also touch on personal anecdotes, adding depth to the conversation.

Episode Highlights:

• Crystal's journey with audaCITY (00:01:40) Crystal Wamalwa shares her journey with audaCITY, from a passion project to a professional endeavor.
• Seeds of audaCITY (00:04:54) Crystal reflects on the experience that planted the seeds for audaCITY during her first event in 2019.
• The first high (00:06:57) Crystal and Rob discuss the excitement and high experienced during the early stages of building audaCITY.
• Baltimore's art community (00:12:18) Crystal shares her nostalgia for Baltimore and discusses the collaborative and supportive nature of the city's art scene.
• Networking and collaboration (00:16:09) The significance of approaching networking and collaboration in the right way to avoid negative perceptions.
• Balancing multiple roles (00:19:28) The challenges of juggling multiple roles and the need for fuel and energy to maintain productivity.
• Upcoming tour in Baltimore (00:20:51) Details about the upcoming tour in Baltimore, including the lineup, event highlights, and vendors.
• Reflecting on the journey (00:27:04) Crystal's excitement and emotional reflections on the journey, team, and upcoming event.
• audaCITY Tours and Upcoming Event (00:37:21) Crystal provides details about audaCITY Tours, including their social media presence, website, and an upcoming event in Baltimore on July 20th.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start with Passion: Crystal's journey with audaCITY shows that genuine passion can be the foundation for long-term success.
2. Create Collaborative Spaces: Building a community where artists can support and uplift each other fosters a nurturing environment for creativity.
3. Holistic Approach: Think beyond just the event; consider the overall experience to create memorable and impactful moments.
4. Be Bold in Networking: Sometimes, taking risks and advocating for yourself can open doors and create new opportunities.

Website and Socials:
audacitytours.com
Facebook: audaCITY Tours
Instagram: audacity_tours
LinkedIn: Crystal Wamalwa

Hey listeners! If you enjoyed this episode of The Truth In This Art Podcast with the incredible Crystal Wamalwa, please take a moment to visit and support her amazing work at audaCITY by checking out her website and following her on social media. Your support means the world to us! Don't forget to rate and review this episode to help us reach more art enthusiasts like you. And if you want to keep this podcast thriving, consider supporting us on Patreon. Your contributions make all the difference! 🎙️🎨✨

Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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