Filmmakers, Designers Of Color Featured At Clinton Hill Expo

CLINTON HILL, BROOKLYN — A nonprofit design expo featuring creative Brooklynites of color will return this weekend at double the size of its past shows.

"We Are Inspo," a black-owned local nonprofit, will host its third annual "INSPO EXPO" at the Sanders Studio on Waverly Avenue this Saturday, Aug. 3.

The eight-hour expo will bring together filmmakers, product designers, artists, directors and other creative vendors to show their work in the 7,000-square-foot space. The sprawling set-up is twice the size of the nonprofit's expos in past years, which filled up about 3,500 square feet.

The growing expo, created by We Are Inspo founder Keith Taylor, is meant to create a bigger platform to appreciate and acknowledge creatives of color in a way that builds each other up, organizers said. Taylor came up with the idea for the organization when he was traveling abroad in Japan three years ago.

"Since then, the Inspo team has made an impact in their community – receiving widespread recognition from Nike and New Era – along with creating a close-knit network of black and brown creatives throughout the city each summer with the organization's staple event, the Inspo Expo," organizers said.

This year, the showcase's 19 "vendors" will include product designer Michael Andres, co-director of the short documentary "Black Girl Church," Marissa Pena and director of "Standing Above the Clouds," Jalena Keane-Lee.

Here's what you need to know about the event:

When: From 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3

Where: The Sanders Studios at 525 Waverly Avenue

What: 19 vendors in a 7,000 square foot space featuring works in art, design, engineering, fashion, & photography, an engaging panel session, film screenings and more. Catered by T. Honcho and Chef Nakai.

Tickets: $20 tickets purchased here will include entry and one plate of food.