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Fund Resilient BlackJOY


Investing in Black Joy, Resilience, and Legacy

Dear Art Collectors, Patrons, and Champions of Culture,

My name is C. Joi Adams Sanchez, a Brooklyn-born, Bronx-based artist and creative entrepreneur. My journey as an artist has been one of resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to honoring Black joy and legacy. I have built a career through sheer will, a shoestring budget, and an unshakable belief in the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire. Now, I am at a pivotal moment—one where the right funding can catapult my work to the next level and ensure that my vision continues to flourish.

The Resilient BlackJOY Fund is a lifeline, designed to provide the critical resources needed to support my practice and sustain the many projects that have organically grown from it. This fund is not just about me; it is about fostering spaces for Black creativity, supporting community-driven art initiatives, and ensuring that my work continues to uplift and empower.

Why Support the Resilient BlackJOY Fund?

Over the past few years, I have navigated immense challenges—from providing end-of-life care to my father while managing racialized housing instability, to rebuilding my life from homelessness, all while maintaining an evolving and deeply impactful artistic practice. Despite these obstacles, my work has continued to gain recognition:

  • 2025 Kolaj Poetry & Collage Residency (New Orleans) – I have been accepted into this prestigious program, a significant step in my artistic career.  [As of 3/30/25 I have been granted delayed attendance into the next cycle! So the need no longer conflicts with UA studio residency dates in NYC, but it is very much still a part of the budget allocation of funds raised]

  • The Melt Festival (Australia, October 2025) – My stage play has been accepted, offering an international platform for my storytelling. [As of 3/30/25 venue is pending, but dates are accepted. Registration is due by May 1st of $200]

  • Art in Odd Places (California, July 2025) – A highly regarded public art festival where my work is being considered for an installation & performance. 

  • The Kolaj Magazine Fest (New Orleans, June 2025) – An opportunity to present, connect, and expand my creative network.

  • Publishing & Performance Opportunities – My poem has been selected for an anthology by Moonstone Publishing, with an  opportunity to read at the release in  Philadelphia in June. 

  • Studio Residency Consideration – I was accepted into the Uncool Artist studio residency program. My challenge is that the fees are due March 27th ($1150), and April 2nd ($1550 program fee + $600 non-refundable deposit) [As of 3/30/25 I have been granted an extention until April 1st to finalize payment of enrollment fees. I am still in IMMEDIATE NEED for help with this life changing opportunity. A ohysical workspace means more room at home  for my kids to both be comfortable and everyone to have their own space. It also means my art is in a serious place. That place where the curators, program & grant directors can now visit me along with gallerists and collectors. When it's in your house, it's a hobby; when it's in its own space, it's a business. #HelpMeHelpMyself]

  • International Work & Family Connection – I have been offered opportunities in Italy, Spain & Amsterdam, where my mother lives, but I lack the resources to travel. Also, with today's changing climate, I need to be closer to my mother and feel safe. Being able to take advatntage of these opportunities & strengthening my ties to and presence in communities overseas, makes it available to others who need it in alignment with the overall goal of this fund. 

These opportunities represent a transformational moment in my career and possibly in the world. However, without the necessary financial support, I risk losing the chance to step into this next phase fully.

How Funds Will Be Used

With a goal of raising $50,000 over the course of 2025-2027, your support will mainly &  directly fund:

  • Essential Living & Studio Costs – Ensuring that I can continue my work without having to choose between rent and creative practice.

  • Travel & Exhibition Costs – Covering airfare, lodging, and participation fees for residencies, festivals, and international opportunities. As well as provide us with proper funding to pay fair compensation to all creative, administrative, and/or technical personnel engaged for events & production crew. 

  • Art & Performance Production – Funding materials, studio space, and event costs for my immersive art experiences and staged productions.

  • Merchandise & Publishing – Supporting the creation and sale of my upcoming fourth self-published book, debut album, and wearable art collections. This includes production costs for the merchandise we provide to consignment shops that sell our books, clothing, music, and visual art. Additionally, we sell these items at performances and festivals to generate self-sustaining revenue. I also use this merchandise for direct vending opportunities.

  • The Glimmer Garden MicShop – The monthly artist salon I produce at WOW Café Theater, now entering its third season on April 20th, provides a platform for both emerging and established creatives. It is funded through ticket sales and vendor fees, with the RBJ Fund also covering upfront event expenses. This ensures that event revenue can be used to fairly compensate every artist booked on our platform for their time and talent.

Read the anticipated 2025-2026 Fund Budget Allotment

Ways to Contribute

  1. Purchase & Invest in Artwork

    • The ReImagining BlackJOY series is available for purchase, raffle, and auction via GalaBid, with pieces ranging from $25 to $1,000.

    • High-value “extra profit items,” such as exclusive experiences, are also available for auction, with commissions supporting the fund.

  2. Become a Patron or Angel Investor

    • Bridge Loans & Equity Partnerships – With an estimated $125K in unclaimed royalties from my late father’s estate (and assets worth nearly $1M), I am seeking investors willing to provide a $10K-$20K bridge loan in exchange for future returns.

    • For those looking to make a lasting impact, partnership opportunities are available to invest in the continued growth of this artistic legacy. Lets chat about how to do that. 

  3. Direct Donations & Sponsorship

  4. Support Through Merchandise & Pre-Sales

Why Your Support Matters

This is more than a fundraiser—it is a movement. Supporting the Resilient BlackJOY Fund means investing in art that tells vital stories, uplifts communities, and challenges the narratives imposed on us. It is an opportunity to be part of something that transcends the traditional boundaries of art collection—it is an investment in legacy, impact, and joy.

If you believe in the power of art to heal, transform, and inspire, I invite you to join me in bringing this vision to life. Your support is the bridge between possibility and reality.

With <3, Art & Gratitude, 

  1. C. Joi Adams Sanchez
     Artist | Creator | Curator
     www.TheGodIs.Art | www.NotoriousRBJ.Art


Here are answers to questions frequently asked of an artist in my position. The song you hear is the beginning of my new single "Stripped (feat Adam Bauch) [barebones version]" which you can pre-save for streaming and purchase here