SURGE Arts Initiative — Arts Advocacy Collective
An artist-led, advocacy-based collective supporting BIPOC artists in Greater Waterbury.
About SURGE
SURGE Arts Initiative is an artist-led, advocacy-based collective rooted in Greater Waterbury, created in response to the lack of equitable, artist-centered support for BIPOC artists navigating local creative systems. Founded by visual artist Katiana Jarbath Smith, SURGE strengthens the local creative ecosystem through connection, visibility, mentorship, and collective advocacy.
SURGE bridges creative practice and community impact by creating opportunities for artists to develop professionally, show their work, and engage with one another in meaningful ways. The initiative is intentionally evolving and guided by listening, collaboration, and community-led visioning.
How SURGE Shows Up
SURGE bridges the gap between creative practice and community impact by focusing on access, connection, and long-term professional growth. Our focus remains on advocacy and ecosystem building rather than direct funding or job placement.
Artist circles and gatherings
Professional development workshops and learning sessions
Curated exhibitions and artist showcases
Pop-up events and vendor opportunities
Resource and opportunity sharing
Collective advocacy and visibility-building
Relationship-driven community engagement
Founder's Note
SURGE emerged from my lived experience navigating creative systems that weren't built to hold us. It is an intentional, necessary space centering BIPOC artists in Greater Waterbury—a place where professional development, curated exhibitions, and visibility exist alongside deep relationship-building. We are building a culture of shared leadership and collective care, where growth is not just individual but communal. SURGE is evolving as we listen and collaborate, rooted in the vision of the artists who call this city home. We are creating the infrastructure we once looked for, one connection at a time.