Current State Studio, a Los Angeles–based nonprofit organization founded in 2024, is redefining what it means to engage with the art world. Rather than focusing on finalized, market-ready pieces, the studio fosters an inclusive space for emerging artists to experiment, grow, and be seen at all stages of their artistic journey. With a commitment to supporting creators who are often overlooked by the traditional commercial art world, Current State Studio is building a platform that values collaboration, cultural nuance, and process over perfection.

A Living State of Becoming

The philosophy behind Current State Studio is encapsulated in its name. The studio is a space where art is viewed not as a finished product but as an ongoing process—what the organization calls a “living state of becoming.” This approach contrasts with the conventional gallery model, which typically focuses on showcasing only completed works ready for sale. At Current State Studio, the emphasis is on the artist’s journey— from the vulnerability of the early stages to the transformative moments that define growth.

Artists who work with the studio are allowed to take risks, experiment with materials, and present their work when it is still in flux. This dynamic environment encourages exploration and innovation, allowing artists to be seen and heard without the pressure to conform to commercial expectations or market demands.

Building an Alternative Ecosystem for Artists

What sets Current State Studio apart from traditional art spaces is its commitment to creating an alternative ecosystem for emerging artists. The studio’s founders have made it their mission to build a platform that values collaboration over competition, dialogue over silence, and cultural nuance over commercial trends. This ethos fosters a community where artists can support one another, share ideas, and grow together.

By providing resources, visibility, and opportunities, the studio ensures that young artists, especially those from diverse cultural backgrounds, have the tools they need to thrive. Current State Studio offers a space where artists are not just given a venue to showcase their work, but also an environment to refine their practices, develop new ideas, and gain confidence in their creative expressions.

Of Seeing and Be Seen: An Exhibition of Process and Presence

One of the studio’s standout initiatives is its debut exhibition, “Of Seeing and Be Seen,” held at Crossing Art in Manhattan from October 2–7, 2025. The exhibition delved into the complex politics of observation, presence, and identity. It explored how artists use their art to make themselves visible—both literally and metaphorically—while considering the power dynamics involved in being seen or overlooked.

Through a diverse range of media, including lacquer, wood, photography, installation, and spatial intervention, the exhibition provided a platform for artists to engage with the theme of presence in an intimate and thought-provoking way. The works questioned the concept of appearance—how individuals, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, navigate the tension between visibility and invisibility.

The exhibition was not just a display of finished works, but a celebration of the artistic process itself. It gave viewers a rare glimpse into the creative journeys of the artists involved, showcasing how their ideas evolved and took shape over time. In doing so, “Of Seeing and Be Seen” exemplified the studio’s commitment to honoring the messy, vulnerable stages of artistic growth.

Fostering Collaboration and Public Engagement

Current State Studio also emphasizes the importance of public engagement and community collaboration. It recognizes that art does not exist in a vacuum and that a true artistic ecosystem requires interaction between artists, curators, audiences, and cultural institutions. By creating spaces for dialogue and exchange, the studio helps young artists expand their reach beyond traditional gallery circles and build relationships with diverse audiences.

The studio hosts educational programs, residencies, and workshops to nurture the next generation of artists. These initiatives provide emerging creators with the skills, mentorship, and networks they need to succeed in the competitive world of contemporary art. The focus is not just on creating art, but on building the relationships and resources that will allow artists to flourish in the long term.

A Platform for Emerging Artists

As a nonprofit organization, Current State Studio continues to grow as a platform where emerging artists can find both creative and professional support. The studio is dedicated to ensuring that artists are seen for who they are in their “current state,” without the pressure of having to present a polished, finished product. It is this inclusive, process-oriented approach that makes Current State Studio a unique space for artistic growth and innovation.

By fostering collaboration and providing visibility to artists often overlooked by traditional galleries, Current State Studio is helping to redefine what it means to succeed in the art world. The studio’s commitment to experimentation, diversity, and vulnerability ensures that emerging artists have the resources and platform they need to take creative risks, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of contemporary art.

Join the Movement

As Current State Studio continues to expand its reach and influence, it remains dedicated to its core mission of supporting emerging artists and fostering a more inclusive and collaborative art world. For those looking to get involved, whether as artists, supporters, or collaborators, Current State Studio offers a unique opportunity to be part of a growing community dedicated to the creative process and the power of art.

To learn more about Current State Studio and its initiatives, visit their Instagram.