We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Solis Sison recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on has been my role as producer for the documentary film “From Here/From There (De Aquí/De Allá).” This film centers on Luis Cortes Romero’s journey as the first undocumented lawyer to argue a case at the Supreme Court. He represented DACA recipients like myself in the Supreme Court Case “United States Department of Homeland Security, et al. v. Regents of the University of California, et al.,” which fought against Trump’s call to rescind the DACA program, protecting 600,000 young professionals and teens from deportation. In my case, I’ve proudly called America my home since 1999. As a DACA recipient, I was able to obtain a driver’s license, social security, and eligibility to obtain a college degree. I was 21 years old when I became a DACA recipient. This is when my life started. As soon as I was eligible for the program, I applied to my dream school, which was the University of California, Berkeley, and got accepted!

This film represents so much for me. It captured my life and struggle. It is quite rare for a producer in the documentary field to relate and have similar life experiences with its protagonist. I am fortunate that this project allowed me to heal with Luis. We share so many values together, such as family and community, which will always come first. For our family and community, we will sacrifice. “From Here/From There (De Aquí/De Allá)” is far from a cry for help or a film that perpetuates the bad immigrant or poor immigrant narrative. We honor the power of community and the decades of immigrant activism that pushed the values of democracy to be upheld.

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

My name is Nicole Solis-Sison, and I wear many hats in the realms of art, media, film, and education. I am deeply passionate about promoting cultural equity, diversity, and sustainability through my work, and I strive to reshape narratives and perspectives within these industries. My journey began with a strong desire to amplify voices that are often marginalized or overlooked. As a proud founding member of the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, I have been committed to reframing and reclaiming narratives, particularly those surrounding undocumented immigrants. This work led me to explore various mediums of artistic expression, with a particular focus on fostering engagement through human interaction and social discourse.
One of my proudest achievements is the creation of the Zero Waste Cart installation, which initially aimed to address sustainability within the fashion industry. This project has evolved into a mobile app available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, allowing individuals to actively participate in reducing waste and promoting sustainability in their daily lives.
In addition to my artistic endeavors, I have also delved into digital content production strategy, working with brands, talent agencies, and digital creators to optimize their presence in emerging markets. My role as creative director at Matter Media Group has allowed me to leverage my expertise in this area, guiding clients towards more impactful and streamlined content strategies.
As an educator, I am deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of content creators, musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs. Through my roles as a digital content marketing instructor at General Assembly and the Hip Hop CommUniversity, I have had the privilege of sharing my knowledge and expertise with aspiring professionals, empowering them to navigate and excel in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Furthermore, I have been involved in groundbreaking projects such as the development of an augmented reality dressing room application for Gap in partnership with Google, pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity within the retail sector.
What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to advocacy and activism within the entertainment and media industry. As an organizer and founding member of the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, I am committed to creating career opportunities for undocumented and DACA recipients in the arts, challenging systemic inequities and amplifying the voices of those who have historically been marginalized.
My work has been showcased at prestigious venues such as the Yerba Buena Center of the Arts in San Francisco, the 14th Factory in Los Angeles, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. I have also had the honor of speaking at events such as Social Media Week Los Angeles, Sundance Film Festival 2020, and BlackStar Film Festival 2020.
Above all, I am most proud of my ability to use art, media, and education as powerful tools for social change. I am deeply passionate about fostering inclusivity, sparking dialogue, and inspiring action through my work, and I hope to continue making a positive impact in the world for years to come.

In addition to my artistic endeavors and activism, I offer a range of services aimed at empowering individuals and organizations to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields. Here’s a breakdown of the services I provide:
Artistic Services:
Creative Direction: I provide guidance and leadership to artists, filmmakers, and content creators, helping them conceptualize and execute projects that align with their vision and values.
Installation Art: Drawing on my expertise in engagement and social discourse, I create immersive installations that provoke thought and inspire action on issues such as sustainability, social justice, and cultural equity.
Augmented Reality Development: Leveraging cutting-edge technology, I develop immersive augmented reality experiences that enhance storytelling and audience engagement, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Media and Content Production Strategy:
Digital Content Strategy: I work with brands, talent agencies, and digital creators to develop comprehensive content strategies that resonate with their target audience, drive engagement, and maximize impact across digital platforms.
Branding and Identity Development: Through strategic branding initiatives, I help clients establish a distinct identity and narrative that reflects their values and resonates with their audience, fostering brand loyalty and recognition.
Emerging Market Optimization: With a deep understanding of emerging markets, I assist clients in navigating and capitalizing on new opportunities, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve and expand their reach globally.
Educational Services:
Digital Content Marketing Instruction: As an experienced instructor, I offer workshops and courses on digital content marketing, equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape.
Artist Development Programs: Through artist development programs, I provide mentorship and guidance to emerging artists, musicians, and content creators, helping them hone their craft, build their brand, and navigate the industry landscape with confidence.
Activism and Advocacy:
Undocumented and DACA Advocacy: As a founding member of the Undocumented Filmmakers Collective, I advocate for the rights and opportunities of undocumented and DACA recipients in the arts, working to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways for inclusion and representation.
Community Engagement Initiatives: I develop and facilitate community engagement initiatives that empower individuals to become agents of change, fostering dialogue, collaboration, and collective action on issues of social justice and equity.
Through these services, I aim to empower individuals and organizations to amplify their voices, effect positive change, and create a more inclusive and equitable world through art, media, and education.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting artists, creatives, and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem is essential for the enrichment of society and the cultivation of innovation, expression, and cultural diversity. Here are several ways society can best support artists and creatives:

Financial Support and Fair Compensation:

Provide grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities to artists and creatives to pursue their projects and sustain their livelihoods.
Ensure fair compensation for artists’ work, whether through commissions, royalties, or fair wages for their contributions to projects and collaborations.
Accessible Resources and Infrastructure:

Establish and maintain accessible and affordable studio spaces, workshops, and facilities where artists can create and collaborate.
Provide access to equipment, materials, and technology necessary for artistic production and innovation.
Education and Training:

Invest in arts education and training programs from early childhood through adulthood, ensuring that individuals have the opportunity to develop their creative talents and skills.
Offer professional development resources and mentorship programs to support emerging artists and creatives in navigating the industry landscape and advancing their careers.
Cultural Equity and Inclusion:

Foster an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the arts and creative industries, ensuring that all voices and perspectives are represented and celebrated.
Support initiatives that promote access and participation in the arts for historically marginalized communities, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals.
Promotion and Visibility:

Showcase and promote the work of artists and creatives through exhibitions, festivals, publications, and digital platforms, increasing visibility and recognition for their contributions.
Collaborate with cultural institutions, media outlets, and organizations to elevate the profile of artists and creatives and highlight the importance of their work in society.
Collaboration and Networking:

Facilitate opportunities for collaboration and networking among artists, creatives, and interdisciplinary professionals, fostering innovation, cross-pollination of ideas, and collective problem-solving.
Establish platforms and forums for dialogue and exchange between artists and the broader community, encouraging engagement and interaction around artistic expression and cultural issues.
Advocacy and Policy Reform:

Advocate for policies and legislation that prioritize and support the arts, including increased public funding for cultural institutions, tax incentives for arts organizations, and protections for artists’ rights and intellectual property.
Engage with policymakers and stakeholders to address systemic barriers and inequities within the arts and creative industries, working towards a more equitable and sustainable ecosystem for artists and creatives.
By implementing these strategies, society can create an environment where artists and creatives can thrive, contribute meaningfully to cultural discourse, and enrich the lives of individuals and communities worldwide.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had more of an understanding of the legal and business aspects of being an artist is crucial for protecting my rights, navigating contracts, and managing finances. I found resources such as the Copyright Alliance, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Artists’ Rights Society, and local small business development centers to be incredibly helpful in offering guidance on legal and business matters specific to the arts.

Pursuing a career in the arts can be emotionally taxing, and I wish I had access to mental health resources earlier in my journey. Therapy, support groups, and resources like the Artists’ Health Alliance and The Creative’s Counsel have been instrumental in providing me with support for mental health and wellness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nicolesolissison.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesolissison/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-solis-sison
• Other: I am extremely excited to share that the documentary film “From Here/From There (De Aquí/De Allá)” is premiering at DocLands Documentary Film Festival on May 3, 2024 at 7pm at Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael! See mention on the SF Chronicle https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/movies-tv/doclands-2024-annoucement-19365516 and get tickets here https://www.cafilm.org/!