We recently connected with Joshua Hollingsworth and have shared our conversation below.

Joshua , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Leaving the comfort of a full-time leadership role at The Delaware Contemporary after six years was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken. It wasn’t just a career move—it was a deeply personal decision, driven by grief, healing, and the need to redefine my purpose.

Over the span of two years, I lost three close family members. The weight of that loss changed me. While I had spent years building my career in the arts, I realized that I was running on empty, pouring into my work while neglecting my own well-being. I knew something had to change. I needed space to process, to heal, and to figure out what truly mattered.

Walking away from stability was terrifying. I had no backup plan, just a deep trust in my skills, my experience, and the relationships I had built over the years. I threw myself into honing my craft, expanding my professional network, and laying the groundwork for what would become Unified Creative Exchange. The transition was anything but smooth—I faced financial uncertainty, moments of self-doubt, and the constant challenge of proving myself outside of an institution.

But through the struggle, clarity emerged. As I pursued healing, I found growth—not just personally, but professionally. Unified Creative Exchange evolved from an idea into a sustaining agency and gallery, a platform dedicated to supporting artists, curating impactful experiences, and fostering creative community.

Looking back, that risk—stepping into the unknown—was the catalyst for everything I’m building today. It taught me resilience, the power of trusting myself, and the importance of creating spaces where art, business, and healing can coexist.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a visionary arts leader, curator, and creative entrepreneur dedicated to fostering artistic expression, entrepreneurial growth, and meaningful cultural engagement. My journey in the arts began with a personal love for photography when my dad gifted me my first film camera. Over time, that passion evolved, intertwining with a deep commitment to community impact. This ultimately led me to build a career in arts administration, nonprofit management, and curation, where I could merge creativity with meaningful change.

From High School, Film Photography electives to pursing a Fine Arts degree at the Former, Delaware College of Art and Design, I knew this would be a forever thing. After an internship to spending over six years in leadership roles at The Delaware Contemporary, where I managed exhibitions, community programs and partnerships, and engagement initiatives, I took a significant leap—leaving behind the security of a full-time position to fully invest in my own vision. That decision led to the founding of Unified Creative Exchange (UCE), an agency and gallery dedicated to empowering artists, small businesses, and communities through exhibitions, artist development, branding, and professional management services.

At UCE, we offer a dynamic range of events & services designed to uplift and support creatives, entrepreneurs, and organizations: Exhibition Development & Management, Community Engagement Through the Arts, Artist Representation & Development, and Special Projects & Event Management.

UCE is more than just an arts agency—it’s a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between artists, businesses, and the community. We believe in elevating creative voices through intentional curation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to making the arts an accessible and thriving industry. Our approach is deeply collaborative, community-focused, and rooted in empowerment.

What I Want Potential Clients & Followers to Know:
Art and creativity are powerful tools for transformation and community engagement—not just for individuals but for entire communities. Whether you’re an artist looking for representation, a business in need of branding services, or an organization seeking to engage the community through art, UCE is here to help you turn ideas into impactful realities with tangible outcomes.

Through curation, collaboration, and creativity, UCE continues to push boundaries, making space for artists and entrepreneurs to thrive, connect, and inspire.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation within the arts and creative business market has been built through a combination of professional development, community trust, and the ability to navigate spaces where I often stand out. My skills have allowed me to enter many different rooms—whether in nonprofit leadership, curation, education, or business development—where I am frequently the minority. I am often the youngest, sometimes the only male, and, in many cases, the individual with the least amount of formal professional accreditation. Yet, I bring the most hands-on experience and industry knowledge to the table.

What has helped solidify my reputation is my unwavering commitment to inclusivity and fairness in creating opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs. I have worked hard to build trust within my community by making sure that my work is not just about personal success but truly about uplifting others. Whether it’s through curating exhibitions, designing educational programs, or developing platforms for small businesses, my focus has always been on ensuring that creatives, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, have access to meaningful opportunities.

Remaining humble is important to me. I never take for granted the responsibility that comes with being trusted to lead in these spaces. I recognize that my success is tied to the relationships I build, the impact of the projects I execute, and the belief that my community places in me. My reputation has been shaped by my ability to blend professionalism with authenticity—ensuring that I not only have a seat at the table but that I also pull up chairs for others.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The driving goal behind my creative journey is for my business growth to open doors to projects and conversations where the focus—and the funding—truly centers on mending bridges between communities and artists. Too often, when decision-makers shape development frameworks that will impact generations to come, often the arts are left out of the conversation. I want to change that.

I believe that the arts are not just an accessory to economic and community development but a vital component for sustainability and growth. Through my work with Unified Creative Exchange, I strive to ensure that creatives and cultural initiatives are recognized as essential forces in shaping thriving, inclusive communities. Whether through exhibitions, public art, workshops, or strategic partnerships, my mission is to integrate the arts into meaningful discussions about social impact, economic opportunity, and cultural representation.

Ultimately, I want to see artists and creative entrepreneurs not just participating in their communities but helping to lead them—positioned at the forefront of initiatives that drive lasting change. My goal is to continue building a business that serves as a bridge, ensuring that artists have a seat at the table when it comes to shaping the future of the spaces they call home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unifiedcreativeexchange.org
• Instagram: @uce.agency / @urbanshots21
• Facebook: UCE Agency
• Linkedin: Joshua Hollingsworth

Image Credits

UCE Agency / urbanshots21 / Chrisforemanphoto / Amycerratophoto