Pictured above: The Blunt Space members at a workshop with members Quin Killings and Cadin Small.
Courtesy of The Blunt Space.
By Adriana Reeves
A group of USF St. Petersburg alumni has come together to create a safe space for marginalized artists in the Tampa Bay area. The Blunt Space is a nonprofit that gives a voice to the voiceless and a chance for local artists to express themselves freely.
In April 2020, Quin Killings, a 2019 psychology graduate, realized that it was time to pursue their dreams of creating a nonprofit that celebrates marginalized voices.
“I have always been influenced to create a nonprofit organization since I was in high school; however, I just did not know when or how,” Killings said.
According to Killings, the original plan for The Blunt Space has shifted as time has passed, but the intention remains the same.
2019 psychology alumnus Cadin Small, creative associate director for the nonprofit, said he has always advocated for marginalized communities.
“I love that we accept and support art from all walks of life. We have managed to create a space where everyone can feel inspired and learn from each other and that is amazing,” Small said.
Choya Randolph, a creative associate director for The Blunt Space, believes that its community impact is remarkable by giving students the opportunity to grow within the community, as well as resources for their post-graduation plans. Randolph is a 2015 USF St. Petersburg mass communications graduate.
“I think a big part of the traditional first-year student experience is trying to find your community. Not just a community on campus but a community that students can benefit from even after graduation,” Randolph said.
The three members all have profound, but different dreams for the future of The Blunt Space. The one thing they all have in common is their hope to continue impacting local artists and having a positive influence on Tampa Bay’s marginalized communities.
“I hope for The Blunt Space to become a cultural phenomenon for small time and local artists,” Killings said.
To support and learn more about The Blunt Space and its artists, follow its social media channels or visit its website at theblunt.space.
