Art Melanated was born from a shared vision between husband-and-wife team Sol Aponte and Jennia Fredrique Aponte—two creative forces with deep roots in storytelling, culture, and community. In 2021, while producing a documentary about a new wave of emerging Black artists, they recognized the need for a platform that could do more than just document art—it needed to activate it. That moment became the spark for what is now Art Melanated.

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Sol, originally from Newark, NJ and raised in Baltimore, MD, brought his background in music and television to the table, along with a boundary-pushing creative mindset and decades of industry relationships that continue to open unexpected doors for artists and collaborators alike.

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Jennia, an award-winning filmmaker and visual storyteller from Gary, Indiana, infused the project with her narrative vision—shaped by years of writing, directing, and creating stories that center the beauty and complexity of Black life.

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Together, they imagined a nomadic platform that could move freely—curating exhibitions, summits, and creative experiences that not only showcase the work of artists from the diaspora, but also build lasting cultural impact. With intention, love, and community at the heart of their work, Sol and Jennia have grown Art Melanated into a national movement rooted in visibility, preservation, and celebration.

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Their journey is ongoing—but always guided by one belief: that art, when shared with purpose, can transform the way we see the world and each other.

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