2021 Black Creatives Institute Participants
Mission Statement:
Otis College’s Black Creatives Institute is focused on developing an inclusive and affirming campus climate for incoming Black-identified students in an effort to increase: student engagement, first- to second-year retention, and degree completion.
Program Goal: Fostering community among Black-identified creatives by providing holistic support of their personal growth, identity formation, cultural development, and career development to create a stronger sense of belonging within the Otis College community.
Student Learning Outcomes: As a result of participating in the summer bridge program, students will:
- Gain a strong network of creative colleagues through peer engagement and support.
- Explore and expand upon their identity as a Black creative.
- Develop tools around self-efficacy in order to foster self-confidence and personal empowerment as a Black creative.
- Gain an in-depth understanding about campus resources that will assist students in being successful personally, academically, and socially.
- Develop strategies and skillsets to actively engage in their academic experience, including studio preparation.
How to Register: If you self-identify as a Black creative and are an incoming new student who would like to participate in this free program. Registration deadline is Tuesday, August 1, 2023.
Who is Eligible?: All incoming new students are eligible for this program. This program is focused on Black-identity development and being a Black creative and will offer opportunities for students to self-explore and build connections around this focus.
Mai Tae Preece, '25 | Self-Portrait Activity
Program Will Take Place: This year, the Black Creatives Institute will take place in-person in the Residence Hall on campus with a small contained group over the course of five days as an immersive experience prior to Orientation Week. Monthly meet-ups and programming throughout the academic year will take place as well. We will require proof of negative test for COVID-19 24 hours prior to move-in for a rapid test, or 48 hours prior to move-in for a PCP test. Students will be required to submit proof of vaccination including a booster prior to their arrival through the Student Health Center's OwlCare Portal. Students can request an exemption (medical or religious/philosphical)from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine by going to the Student Health and Wellness website.
Participating students who are not fully vaccinated* may need to move in earlier for quarantine and testing. The program dates are as follows:
- Wednesday, August 16–Sunday, August 20, 2023
- Move-In will happen on Wednesday, August 16th in order to account for rapid COVID-19 testing/vaccinations prior to thestart of the program
- MonthlySessions with a faculty member will take place after the program to ensure a successful connection.
Program Design At-A-Glance (all times are PDT):

Students working on Self-Portrait (From bottom to left): Andre Atkins, Jay Brantley, Brooklyn Gordon, andJide Onumonu
All Participants will receive the following upon successful completion of the program:
- Industry Mentor -Students will be paired with a mentor who works in the art and design industry as a mid to senior level creative, and in the area of focus the student is interested in. These mentors are connected to BOND Creative, which is an agency that places creatives across various art and design organizations.
- Faculty Mentor - All students will receive a faculty mentor who will be their source of connection to Otis College and serve as a support person through their firstyear.
- $100 Graphaids Gift Card: All students will receive $100 gift card to Graphaids, the College's art supply store.
Program Fee: This program is completely FREE! All interested students must register for the program and will receive more information on the program schedule.
All students participating in this program are ecouraged to participate in the program in-person, and to live in the residence hall for free during the program. Each program session will build upon each other and provide acomprehensive experience that will allow students to build community among each other while networking with creative mentors such as faculty, staff, and continuing students. The Black Creatives Institute will also offer social programming in the evenings for incoming new students to get to know each other in a more casual way, allowing them to develop a sense of belonging with our Otis community. However, if students must participate 100% virtually, they can do so during certain events, as not all events will have virtual options. We will work with the participants around which events they will be able to access and attend and be sure they are still able to gain a meaningful experience.
Chrysta Burton, Executive Vice President, Bad Robot Productions, Inc.