Christian Sinclair discusses the creation and growth of Soul’d Creative Collective, a Nashville nonprofit that provides BIPOC artists with platforms to showcase their work, connect with others, and access valuable resources.
As Nashville continues to grow into a bustling metropolitan hub, creatives can often feel isolated, making it easy to feel lonely amidst all of the chaos and change.
Soul’d Creative Collective is a Nashville nonprofit designed to provide spaces for BIPOC creatives to collaborate, learn, and be heard. A creative collective, in this context, is a community-driven group focused on fostering connections among artists through events like workshops, panel discussions, and block parties.
Christian Sinclair emphasizes the need for inclusion, education, and access to resources, enabling creatives to gather, share ideas, and build a supportive community, both digitally and in person.
“We just wanted to fill the space with creatives,” Sinclair recalls, describing the origins of Soul’d in 2022. The first event at All People Coffee in East Nashville was an unplanned success—so successful, in fact, that there was a line wrapped around the building.
“It turns out we booked two very famous poets, including the No. 11 poet in the world,” Sinclair laughs. The overwhelming response proved that Nashville needed a space like this, and from there, Soul’d was born.
Sinclair explains that Soul’d is built around three key pillars: education, collaboration, and access. The nonprofit has since hosted events ranging from open mics to panel discussions, all designed to create a welcoming space for creatives.
“Everything we do has intention,” Sinclair emphasizes. “Whether it’s a block party or a workshop, we carefully choose the vendors and partners to ensure our events align with our mission.”
Since its official nonprofit status in May 2023, Soul’d has rapidly expanded its reach, building a strong following both online and in person. With a marketing director based in Amsterdam and a social media coordinator in Chicago, the organization has a global team working to engage its local Nashville audience.
“Instagram is our heavy hitter,” Sinclair says, crediting their strong visual content for building Soul’d’s online presence. “But the real magic happens when people show up to our events.”
One of Soul’d’s most successful collaborations has been with the Frist Art Museum, where they hosted a series of Black History Month showcases in 2023. Each event featured a local artist, a poet, and live music.
“The Frist has been amazing in helping us cultivate that creative space,” Sinclair shares. “It was one of my favorite projects because it brought together artists I’ve admired for years.”
Sinclair points out that many people in Nashville hadn’t previously considered a museum as a space “for them.”
“We wanted to break down those walls and show that art is for everyone,” he explains. “That’s a big part of our mission—creating access to spaces that might feel exclusive.”
While Soul’d’s digital presence is strong, its core mission remains centered on in-person community building. “We’re trying to bridge the gap between digital spaces and real-world connections,” Sinclair explains.
This approach became even more critical post-pandemic, when people were eager to get out of their homes and reconnect with their communities. “It’s about creating a space where people can come together, be seen, and exist as themselves.”
Sinclair emphasizes that all are welcome at Soul’d events, whether it’s a poetry reading or a mental health panel. “If you come to a Soul’d event, you’re part of the family now,” he says. The goal is to create an inclusive, warm environment where everyone feels they belong.
Looking ahead, Sinclair and his team have big plans for 2025, including the launch of an after-school program for young creatives. “I want to expose kids to the arts, whether they’re interested in photography, videography, writing, or don’t even know what being a creative is yet,” he shares.
Securing funding remains a critical challenge. As a young nonprofit, Soul’d is always seeking donations, grants, and sponsorships to keep their events going. “We’re a baby nonprofit,” Sinclair admits with a smile. “But I know this is going to take off.”
For those interested in supporting Soul’d Creative Collective, Sinclair encourages people to attend events, follow them on Instagram and consider donating. “Show up with friends and family,” he says. “Our events are open and family-friendly. The more people come out, the more we can grow this community.”
Whether it’s attending a workshop or following along online, Soul’d offers a space for everyone to be part of Nashville’s thriving creative culture. “We’re building something special here,” Sinclair says. “And we want everyone to be a part of it.”
With a blend of in-person events, community-driven initiatives, and a strong digital presence, Soul’d is creating real impact in Nashville’s creative scene. Through Sinclair’s leadership and vision, the collective is helping BIPOC creatives find their voice—and their space.
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