Dario Calmese and the Institute of Black Imagination

Rob Forbes
July 31st, 2025

It’s damned hard to be optimistic these days. Many of the progressive movements we grew up supporting —such as civil liberties, racial equality, public education, women’s rights and environmental stewardship—are being degraded and subordinated to a revengeful political agenda that a majority of Americans support. We see our democracy being transformed into an autocracy, and there is no compelling narrative or leadership from the left to confront this regressive backslide.

So where do we go for a dose of optimism? Where do we find a new narrative—an inspiring form of protest? One thing we will do is spotlight and support individuals who are role models for making a positive difference in our world today using their creative chops. Designer/artist Dario Calmese is a superb example.

Space 001

We’ve been working with Dario for a couple of years in our Studio 50/50 project. After visiting him in his Space 001 in Manhattan, we published a piece on him and his Institute for Black Imagination. The New York Times also recently did a feature on him.

Dario’s work is an example of how one individual can be effective in changing a narrative—in this case, how we view Black culture. His activism plays out on a uniquely creative high ground. For example, when Dario got the opportunity to do a cover photograph of Viola Davis in 2020 for Vanity Fair—being the first Black photographer to shoot a cover for the magazine—he described it like this: “For me, this cover is my protest. But not a protest in ‘Look at how bad you’ve been to me, and I’m angry and upset.’ Rather, it’s ‘I’m going to rewrite this narrative. I’m just going to take ownership of it.’”

You can support his Institute for Black Imagination in numerous ways—listen to Dario’s podcast, check out his website and consider purchasing some of his thoughtfully curated products. And if you find yourself in Manhattan, you would be silly not to visit his Space 001. Through any of these channels, you will be treated to his creative spirit and remarkable talent. It may help rekindle your belief in the human spirit and our better angels.

We need optimism—and probably imagination—in these challenging times. While our embedded politicians are either cowering in fear on the Right or frozen like deer in headlights on the Left, it is time to look elsewhere for inspiration and direction. Artists have historically been beacons of hope in difficult times like today, when sensibilities of intelligence, perception, curiosity, and compassion feel just out of reach.

Read our full article on Dario here, and please subscribe to the Studio 50/50 newsletter. We will continue to feature other inspirational individuals.