RAW artists (RAW:natural born artists) is an international independent arts organization operating in the United States, Canada and Australia that supports artists in visual art, music, film, photography, fashion, hair design, makeup artistry, and performing art. The organization promotes starting and independent artists through multi-genre art events as well as through its online network, providing them with resources, the networking experience, photos and videos. As of May 2013, the RAW artists organization has showcased over 30,000 artists and has hosted over 500 events.
Contents
History and Growth
RAW was founded in 2009 by its executive director Heidi Luerra and now marketing director and web designer Matthew Klahorst in Los Angeles, California. During the organization's first year, showcases were held in five cities throughout Southern California. By the following year, the organization launched a San Francisco chapter and planned a nationwide expansion. By 2011, RAW artists was in 20 cities across the country. In 2012, RAW made its first international debut with its Brisbane, QLD Australia chapter. RAW artists hav since branched to more than five locations in Australia. In summer of 2013, RAW artists expanded into Canada with Montreal, QC and Vancouver, BC chapters.
RAWards
At the end of every season (October), RAW artists hosts an awards show called RAWards. The awards season is a two-month process with an online voting, local semi-final shows with live voting, and lastly, a selection by a panel of judges made up of industry professionals from each field. One winner is chosen from each category (e.g. "RAW Visual Artist of the Year") and the nine winners are honored at a RAWards ceremony and show in Hollywood, CA in January. In 2012, RAW artists hosted two separate awards shows, in the United States and Australia.
Previous Winners
20092012 (AUS) :* Visual Art: Ellie Anderson
RAWketeers
RAW artists hosts a program composed of workshops aimed at local youth called RAWketeers. RAW artists invites artists within their community to teach workshops at local schools, charities, and/or clubs. RAWketeers has offered workshops in photography, dance, painting, music, singing, and screen-printing.