Mikayla Rodriguez, UNMET founder and creative director, turned her vision of uniting art, community, and social empowerment into reality with UNMET’s debut exhibition in 2023. Now, the highly anticipated second annual UNMET event will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10, in downtown Los Angeles from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This event emerged as a passion project, grounded in Rodriguez’s commitment to entrepreneurship and community building, specifically for Black artists and changemakers often underrepresented in fashion and art spaces.
The inaugural event held last year set the tone for UNMET as a collaborative space celebrating Black artistry, innovation, and expression. The intimate gathering of over 60 attendees fostered genuine conversations around Afro-futurism and Black identity in America.
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“It was beautiful to see people naturally engaging in meaningful discussions about the art and what it represented,” Rodriguez reflected.
This year’s event focuses on freedom and is explored through themes of ancestry, modernity, and introspection. Rodriguez emphasized how much weight the word “freedom” holds, highlighting the juxtaposition of privilege and struggle that Black Americans experience.
“‘Freedom’ really stuck with me. I feel like that world really does bring us together as Black people. We have a privilege that a lot of those before us do not get to have. Still, it’s as much a privilege to be here as it is an ongoing fight to be here,” she said.
The event showcases diverse mediums including textile art, mixed media, photography, poetry, and music. One of the most authentic and exciting aspects of this event is that each member of the production and artistic team is Black and almost all are women.
Key members of the production team include Bria Adams, who not only supports operations and music supervision, but will also serve as the event’s MC; Destiny Quinn, an event producer who perfects every logistical detail; Jada Beasley, the marketing strategist who secures sponsorships and handles promotion; Brittany Goodwin, who provides social media expertise; and Destiny Griffin, the artistic director and set designer.
Beyond aesthetics, UNMET is committed to social impact. They have partnered with Compton Girls Club, so the event will donate a portion of its proceeds to support the young women and non-binary youth in the Compton and greater Los Angeles area, offering classes and community resources aimed at self-regulation, community engagement, and leadership.
The Nov. 10 event features a digital auction, panel discussions, an open bar, and live performances by musicians Ronke Akoh, Abena, and DJ Eb & Flow.
Tickets are $25, with the proceeds going towards supporting Black women and girls and ensuring the growth of UNMET. With 99% of its production team and participants identifying as Black women, UNMET celebrates and amplifies the creativity and contributions of Black female artists in a uniquely powerful way.
Purchase tickets with the QR code, and stay aligned with UNMET on social media: @unmet.us
For inquiries, visit www.unmet.us
