Curation & creativity as care
In a city as alive as London, creativity flows in the cracks between the chaos, as much in the quiet corners as in the crowded spaces.
It’s a living force—raw, accessible, and, most importantly, non-precious. Creativity is not just the grand gesture of art, fashion, or music—it’s the subtle moment of expression, the small but deliberate acts that remind us that we’re all, in our own ways, cultural producers. Just by existing, by being, we shape the creative landscape.
For me, curation has always been an act of care—for the artists, the communities, and the spaces in which we exist. Over the past three years, I’ve worked across a broad spectrum of events—from corporate conventions to grassroots exhibitions, pop-ups, club nights, and performance showcases. No matter the scale, my aim has always been the same: to create spaces where creativity can flourish, where artists can be seen and heard, and where narratives emerge organically. Curation is about offering a platform, facilitating collaboration, and nurturing the process—letting others make the space their own.
I’ve seen firsthand how the strongest moments of cultural production happen at the intersections, where art, music, fashion, and thought collide. These collaborations challenge the status quo, bringing together independent creatives and more formal institutions. My role is to bridge that gap, be a trojan horse if you will, fostering meaningful connections and exchange. This is where culture evolves—when we allow these spaces to breathe, to be cared for, and to transform.
However, the act of caring—whether for others or the creative process—can be a double-edged sword. As much as creativity can uplift and inspire, it can also be the cause of burnout. The constant drive to innovate, produce, and be ‘on’ can drain you. I know this all too well, having struggled with burnout myself. In the process of trying to create something meaningful, the pressure can mount—especially when your creative work is tied to your sense of self.
And yet, even in these moments of burnout, I believe creativity is still the antidote. It’s a paradox, but it’s true. When I’ve felt the most exhausted, it’s been those small, spontaneous acts of creation that have brought me back to myself. A late-night sketch on a napkin, a playlist thrown together while waiting for the bus, even a conversation about a half-formed idea—these moments of non-precious creativity remind me why I started this journey in the first place. Creativity, when untethered from expectation, has the power to heal. It becomes a way to process our experiences, to reflect on where we are and where we want to go.
This is what I wanted to emphasise to anyone reading this—whether you consider yourself an artist or not: creativity isn’t just a product, a finished piece of work. It’s a process, and it belongs to everyone. You don’t need to be part of the ‘art world’ to create something meaningful. Whether you're tagging a wall, styling an outfit, writing in your journal, or simply existing in a city that constantly shapes and reshapes you, you are contributing to the cultural landscape around you. You are a cultural producer, and that in itself is an act of creation.
So, if you're feeling that creative spark or even just a curiosity—tap in! You don’t need permission or validation to start. Creativity is for everyone, however you want to do it. I’m always open to collaborating, to hearing new ideas, and finding ways we can build something together. Through my work with INTERS(P)ECT, a zine exploring intersections in introspection, and Community Curates, a platform I founded for interdisciplinary events, exhibitions, and activations, I’m constantly looking for ways to nurture creativity in others. If you’re looking to connect, explore a project, or just start a conversation, I’m here. Come through to my activations! Let's collaborate, let’s create, and most importantly, let’s care for the spaces we build together.
Creativity, in all its forms, is an act of care—and that’s the most important part.
Article written by Olivia Abando @abando.baby
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@inters.p.ect @community.curates @grapevine.earth