About Us
As Montréal's first Black led animation collective, we are a dynamic and innovative group driven by the promotion of talent in the Black community. We aspire to break barriers and open doors for underrepresented voices in the field of animation!
About Us
Welcome to Black Animators Matter
Welcome to Black Animators Matter, Canada/Montréal’s pioneering Black-led animation collective. At the intersection of creativity and diversity, we are a dynamic and innovative group committed to elevating talent within the Black community. Our mission is to shatter barriers and pave the way for underrepresented voices in the vibrant realm of animation!
“We aspire to create a supportive, inspiring space where underrepresented voices can shine in the animation world.”
Mission
As the first of its kind, we proudly champion a culture of empowerment and inclusivity
Our primary objective is to cultivate a supportive and inspiring space specifically tailored for Black-identifying animators
At Black Animators Matter, our primary objective is to cultivate a supportive, inspiring, and empowering space specifically designed for Black-identifying animators. We are more than just an animation production company; we are a movement committed to breaking down barriers and creating an environment where Black creatives can thrive without the constraints of gatekeeping. As a Black-led initiative, we take pride in offering a platform that is not only focused on artistic excellence but also dedicated to uplifting BIPOC animators.
We are proud to share that this impactful initiative is Black-led while specifically being tailored to cater to BIPOC animators. As a Black animator spearheading projects that train young Black talents in animation, our mission goes beyond the realms of artistic expression. We are dedicated to utilizing our platform to champion vital societal objectives. Our focus includes heightening awareness of cultural diversity, shedding light on issues that hinder participation, and empowering communities to combat racism and discrimination.
Our Journey & History
Our devoted journey in the arts helped spark a keen interest in animation, thus resulting to the development of Black Animators Matter. We are committed to creating opportunities for fellow BIPOC artists to access and thrive in the field of animation. By bridging the gap and providing resources, we aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse artistic community.
Meet the Experts
Sydnie Baynes (Director/Co-Founder)
Director/Co-Founder Sydnie Baynes, is a visual artist and animator based in Montréal, Quebec. She holds a degree in Cinema Communications from Dawson College and recently graduated from Concordia University's Film Animation program. Her art explores Black history and ancestry, combining traditional drawing and digital media to tell personal and cultural stories
Evan Wasson
Co-Founder Evan Wasson, is an Indigenous visual artist from Ontario. Raised in a family of artists, Evan's passion for visual arts stems from this heritage. Through painting and drawing, he captures unique perspectives and narratives from the world around him.
