We were lucky to catch up with Lily Xie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is undoubtedly Surfacescape, a nonprofit organization I co-founded to support and spotlight emerging undergraduate artists. Surfacescape holds a deeply personal significance for me, and I’m proud to be part of it every day. Our mission to create platforms for underrepresented talents has allowed us to connect with countless incredible artists, hear their stories, and learn from their unique perspectives.

What makes this project especially meaningful is the relationships we’ve built along the way. Meeting these talented individuals, understanding their creative journeys, and forming friendships with many of them has been incredibly rewarding. These artists have so much to offer, and it’s inspiring to shine a light on their work, helping them reach wider audiences who might not otherwise see their talent.

Through Surfacescape, we’ve created a supportive and inclusive community that celebrates underrepresented voices and fosters a love for art and creativity. Each artist we meet reminds me why this work is so important, and I hope that as we grow, our efforts will receive even more support and recognition, enabling us to continue showcasing the beauty and brilliance of these emerging talents. For me, Surfacescape isn’t just a project—it’s a passion, a purpose, and a testament to the power of creativity to connect and inspire people.

Lily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Surfacescape is a nonprofit art organization dedicated to democratizing the art world by creating multisensory, experiential art fairs and innovative social media marketing campaigns that spotlight emerging undergraduate artists. We founded Surfacescape after recognizing the lack of opportunities for young artists who have yet to enter the professional art world. With 76.9% of students leaving the arts due to financial burdens and only 10% of art graduates earning their primary income through art, we aim to address these systemic challenges by offering early career support and accessible platforms for underrepresented talents.

Currently, we’re focused on building our brand and presence through social media. By interviewing emerging artists and sharing their stories through short-form videos and reels on TikTok and Instagram, we’re creating a vibrant online community that connects young creators with audiences. In April, we plan to host a small-scale pop-up show, and by the end of 2025, we will hold our first annual art fair, “Error Code 2025: System Defect.” This inaugural event will spotlight artworks addressing socio-political concerns relevant to today’s youth, such as systemic injustice, government distrust, and oppression—topics often debated on college campuses but rarely seen in mainstream art spaces.

What sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Surfacescape’s art fairs are open exclusively to undergraduate or equivalently-aged artists, providing them with a no-experience-required opportunity to showcase their work in a professional setting. We also focus on public engagement by creating immersive experiences designed to appeal to non-traditional art viewers, encouraging diverse audiences to connect with contemporary issues through art.

We’re most proud of our mission to bridge the gap between emerging artists and the public while breaking down barriers in the elite-dominated art world. We strive to foster an inclusive creative ecosystem that empowers young voices and invites everyone to participate in and enjoy the arts. For us, art is not just about creativity—it’s about creating a platform for change, dialogue, and connection.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Surfacescape was born out of a shared realization among my friends and me: the lack of opportunities for undergraduate artists to showcase their work and enter the professional art world. Pursuing an MFA, often viewed as a stepping stone for artists, is prohibitively expensive for many, pushing countless talents away from their artistic dreams. Our mission at Surfacescape, a New York-based 501(C) nonprofit art organization, is to democratize the art world through fun, affordable, and immersive art experiences. By spotlighting underrepresented talents who have yet to enter the professional art scene, we aim to foster public engagement with young, emerging artists.

We create multisensory, experiential art fairs paired with buzz-worthy social media marketing campaigns to amplify the visibility of these artists. Our goal is to challenge the art world’s elite-dominated structure by providing a platform for creative works that often remain unseen by the public. We believe that great art emerges when younger artists are encouraged to engage with, question, and challenge existing systems. Surfacescape strives to break down barriers and offer opportunities for underrepresented voices to connect with audiences, creating a more inclusive and dynamic art ecosystem.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society should prioritize increased funding for grassroots organizations dedicated to making the arts more accessible. Government bodies and art sponsors have a vital role to play in ensuring these organizations have the resources to create opportunities for underrepresented talents and foster public engagement with the arts.

Additionally, art education should be adequately funded to nurture creativity. Art should be for everyone, and society should work toward breaking down the barriers that currently exist between the public and spaces like museums and galleries. Encouraging people to step into these spaces—through outreach, education, and affordable or free access—can help cultivate a more inclusive, vibrant art world that values diverse voices and ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.surfacescape.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/surfacescape/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@surfacescapeltd?_t=8r7EVenT2Xn&_r=1