We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Agatha Wright. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Agatha below.

Agatha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

Conceptualization is an important skill. Most people who have never owned independent businesses or fostered innovative solutions in their field presume that those who dare to dream big often live in the clouds. Some of us are often criticized and ridiculed for having such lofty dreams attached to financial and creative independence. When I started my journey into entrepreneurship, I was already in my late thirties and had experience managing small businesses for others which equipped me with industry knowledge. I was mature enough to know what I wanted and idealistically naive to dare to dream.

In 2016 I decided it was time to launch. The venture started small—an arts organization with a unique approach to capacity building void of rent overhead and focused on championing the underdog. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion had yet to become the norm at that time, yet I understood the value in people’s stories, histories, and identities. I felt a profound responsibility to bring the voices of the unheard forward, for essential lessons can be learned from those unique voices. I wanted to create a brand with a fresh approach to creative enterprise. I did not want to model my business after anything else in the market and I understood my competitors – intently.

I didn’t need a physical space to operate and, quite frankly, had envisioned a business model that utilized technology as a means of communication and resource capacity. Most of the in-person creative work could be conducted at partner site locations (I had amassed a decent network of creative contacts in the field), and I could barter my services for free rehearsal space and conduct the administrative work from home. I thought deeply about the problem I wanted to solve and understood that the creative ecosystem in Miami was established and somewhat convoluted, yet in Fort Lauderdale, the arts sector was expanding.

Once I sorted out the business strategy, the brand identity, and the means of execution, I began a massive outreach campaign. I spent the little capital I had on crafting a distinctive, robust website. I collaborated with a wide network of partners and grew my network from each partnership. Some organizations were established and esteemed, while others were relatively unknown. We honestly never discriminate. The point was to get the work out into the community and build substantial relationships with stakeholders aligned with our agenda- to produce thought-provoking artistic projects that would, in turn, generate employment for disenfranchised creators while providing access to vulnerable populations. Moving my business “idea” to the execution phase involved calculated action. I have never believed in leading from above but rather leading from within and I committed to that ethos wholeheartedly.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Agatha Wright, and I am a creative economy arts professional and entrepreneur. I have held notable positions at leading arts organizations such as Miami City Ballet, AileyCamp Miami at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. My work has been recognized and funded by the Foundation for Contemporary Arts in New York, the Rauschenberg Foundation, the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, The Broward Cultural Division, and the Small Business Administration, to name a few!

To date, Fluxus Haus has raised 3.5M in funding for nonprofit arts organizations, CBOs, and independent artists. Through Creative Placemaking, Fundraising, Organizational Capacity Building, and Strategic Planning, Fluxus drives social impact to empower the collective.

Fluxus also establishes partnership opportunities for creatives to produce and publish their work. There is a strong focus on supporting artists and groups on the periphery yet illustrating distinctive approaches to artistic practices unique to their cultural identities and histories. I am most proud of the people we have served and their stories. That is the legacy of Fluxus- for the people, by the people.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Throughout the course of my career, I have experienced many challenges. Some were professional, while others were more personal and included physical ailments. In 2017 I officially retired as a professional dancer due to an accident. Dance was my first love, and coming to terms with the changes that occurred physically was highly traumatic. I spent eight months in recovery after the accident. During this time, I learned how to use my mind entirely. If I couldn’t move, then I would write. I focused on further developing my business strategy for Fluxus and writing grants for the organization. When I think back on that time, I recognize the importance it has had in my career. The stillness was a stark change, but I could transmute that stillness into an internal and external exercise in patience and fortitude. I define resilience as the ability to continue even when the circumstances are dire, and change is inevitable. Resiliency means you believe in your capacity to overcome and trust that you can always land on your feet – no matter how high the fall.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Attending Harvard’s Business School Entrepreneurship Essentials Certification program changed my life. Certification programs provide practical knowledge that working professionals can harness and utilize. They are cost-effective, flexible, and taught by industry leaders. The knowledge I obtained through the Certification program gave me the confidence to understand complex business concepts and make critical negotiation decisions.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fluxushaus.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyflux/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agatha-wright-aa4015127/
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
Image 1 – Love Bailey Image 2 – The Marksie Image 3 – Manny Echazabel Image 4 – African American Research Library and Cultural Center Image 5 – Broadway Community and Activity Center Image 6 – Evolutionary Arts Life Foundation Image 7 – Fluxus Dance Image 8 – Barbara Kruger