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!
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!
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. Black Animators Matter is more than just a creative hub; it's a movement dedicated to dismantling obstacles and fostering an environment where Black creatives can flourish without the hindrance of gatekeeping.
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 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.
Cheers!
Our Team
Find out who’s behind this newly established collective
Sydnie Baynes
Director/Co-Founder
Sydnie (She/Her) is a visual artist and animator based in Montréal, Quebec. She holds a degree in Cinema Communications from Dawson College and is a recent graduate of Concordia University's Film Animation program offered by the esteemed Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema. Sydnie's artistic practice is deeply rooted in her experiences as a young black creative, exploring the multifaceted dimensions of black history and ancestry. Utilizing both traditional drawing and digital art mediums, she intricately weaves together narratives that reflect her personal journey and cultural heritage.
Evan Wasson
Co-Founder
Evan (He/They) is an Indigenous visual artist based in Ontario. Growing up in a family of artists, visual arts have always held a special place in Evan's heart. This rich lineage has deeply influenced and nurtured Evan's passion for painting and drawing. Through his narrative visuals, Evan captures and retells the world around them in a unique and compelling format.
Want to become a member of our team?
Although we are a newly built collective, we are proud to share that we are open to expanding our order of operations!
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