Future Ink Graphics: A New Makerspace for Digital and Print

Students learning the art of screen printing at Future Ink Graphics

 

The upheaval of the last couple of years has caused many people to rethink life goals and everyday routines. I, too, began thinking about what I really wanted to do and how I wanted to do it once we all emerged from this worldwide pandemic. I have spent the last twenty years working in visual arts nonprofits doing what I have discovered is my passion: helping artists continue to make work and sharing that work with the community. As the pandemic caused the world to stop, and creatives struggled to find support, the idea of Future Ink Graphics was formed. I wanted a space that provided opportunities, resources, and exposure to local artists and designers, particularly during this financially-difficult time and while entrepreneurship boomed.

Future Ink Graphics, or FIG, is a makerspace for professional, emerging, and student graphic designers, and digital and silkscreen artists. FIG provides space and equipment, along with educational programs, resources, and mentorship, to help develop and advance individual artists, with the goal of strengthening the larger creative community. FIG’s mission is to foster the development and advancement of Cleveland designers, artists, and youth, bringing economic opportunities and arts education to the Clark-Fulton neighborhood and Greater Cleveland community. FIG is committed to supporting and highlighting women and creatives of color, and contributing to a more equitable arts community.

Located in the new Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression on Cleveland’s West Side, FIG’s 2670-square-foot space features a community gallery, silkscreen print shop, computer lab, and storefront, along with a coffee shop: Café Social Latinoamericano. The location offers new opportunities and unique exposure, with neighboring tenants like the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Community Art Center, Inlet Dance, and LatinUS Theater.

The development and launch of FIG was a community effort, with support from the Fowler Family Foundation, Councilwoman Jasmin Santana, The Hispanic Business Center, Metro West, private donors, and a slew of local artists, designers, and business owners who directly contributed to FIG’s mission and purpose.

To learn more about programs and/or how to use the space, visit Futureinkgraphics.com, or follow us on Facebook at Future Ink Graphics and on Instragram @fig_futureinkgraphics. To tour our Community Gallery, please email art@futureinkgraphics.com.

 

Images of Future Ink Graphic’s silkscreen printing event at the Young Latino Network’s pre-show Mixer at the Pivot Art Center on October 1, 2021.

 

SPRING 2022 CAN JOURNAL LAUNCH | MARCH 4

WOMEN WHO PRINT | MARCH 4–MAY 14 | OPENING RECEPTION 5-8PM FRIDAY, MARCH 4 IN THE FIG COMMUNITY GALLERY

WOMEN IN PRINT: FREE SILKSCREEN MAKE AND TAKE | 1-4PM SATURDAY, MARCH 12 IN THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S COMMUNITY ART CENTER OPEN STUDIO

FUTURE INK GRAPHICS
at the Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression
2937 West 25th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
art@futureinkgraphics.com
Instagram: @fig_futureinkgraphics
Facebook: Future Ink Graphics
Café Social Latinoamericano: cafesocialcoffee.com