Ryan Sowulewski

Rat City Collective

As an emerging artist, my ability to gain visibility, access to creative networks, and funding has been my greatest challenge. Society emphasizes individualism, conditioning us to believe success is achieved independently. This misconception is the root of my struggles as an emerging artist and has contributed to mental distress. To offer a solution, I have founded Rat City Collective, a group of emerging artists who harness their diverse skills to host art events in Southeast, Michigan as an approachable method to address both the challenges of being a novice artist and mental health among young adults. Rat City Collective emphasizes unification and social-actualization, utilizing art events to bridge the gap between artists and their communities. Artists of all media are welcomed to join and participate in hosting and sharing work at events, collaboration opportunities, and providing feedback to one another. The revenue generated funds our artists’ future endeavours, establishing a creative network and community of care with limitless growth potential and an ability to be replicated anywhere. In December 2020, Rat City Collective hosted a virtual, livestream performance (adapting to Covid guidelines) featuring six local musicians playing on a portable stage I built from shipping palettes. Looking forward, I imagine Rat City Collective will expand in members and community support, allowing for large scale, celebratory events that nurture unification, vulnerability, and artistic expression.