The organization Us for the Arts and the international talents shaping the US creative industry

Since its foundation, the United States has stood as a canvas painted with hues from every corner of the globe. The very essence of the nation's identity is rooted in the diversity brought by waves of immigrants and the amalgamation of countless cultures, each group contributing to the intricate tapestry that defines America. It is a narrative woven with threads of resilience, aspiration, and the pursuit of a better life, creating a mosaic where every culture has left an indelible mark.

The richness of this cultural tapestry is mirrored in the arts and creative expressions that have flourished throughout American history. From the Harlem Renaissance, which celebrated African American culture in the early 20th century, to the global influences seen in contemporary music, fashion, and visual arts, the United States has been a melting pot where creativity knows no boundaries. This diversity has shaped the arts and has been a driving force behind innovation, fostering an environment where ideas collide and spark new forms of expression.

In this vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, Us for the Arts (UsArts) steps forward as a torchbearer of this tradition. Acknowledging the historical significance of the United States as a cultural melting pot, UsArts seeks to amplify and celebrate the continued infusion of global perspectives into the American creative scene. The organization recognizes that, just as the nation's history is a testament to the strength found in diversity, so too is the future of its artistic expression.

Us for the Arts sees the multicultural composition as a wellspring of inspiration. The interplay of different traditions, stories, and artistic visions is what has given American culture its dynamic and resilient character. It is within this context that UsArts places itself, weaving its narrative into the ongoing story of a nation that continually reinvents itself through the contributions of individuals from every part of the world.

In embracing this diversity, UsArts aligns itself with the spirit of the nation's founding, recognizing that the United States is at its most powerful and creative when it opens its arms to the wealth of global influences. The canvas of America, painted with the brushstrokes of countless cultures, is a testament to the enduring belief that true beauty emerges when colors from every palette come together in harmony. As UsArts brings together international talents, it adds new layers to this ongoing masterpiece, ensuring that the American canvas continues to evolve with the ever-changing hues of a diverse world.

Cultivating Creativity Across Borders

Since its inception in 2017, UsArts has been driven by a mission – cultivating a vibrant and inclusive environment across a spectrum of creative domains. Guided by the visionary leadership of its founder, Kika Espejo, the organization has honed its focus on fostering cross-cultural collaborations and integrating international art and creative practices. The journey has been a deliberate effort to dismantle barriers and create a space where the diverse voices of the global creative community can harmonize.

In the realms of visual arts, design, music, dance, theater, entertainment, media, marketing, and film, UsArts has sought to transcend conventional boundaries. Kika Espejo's dedication to integration has not only opened doors for international talents but has also sown the seeds for a flourishing exchange of ideas and artistic expressions. The result is nothing short of a melting pot where creativity knows no borders, contributing to the rich tapestry of American artistic innovation.

UsArts stands as a testament to the belief that the true beauty of art emerges when various influences converge. Kika Espejo's forward-thinking approach has propelled the organization into becoming a dynamic force that merges the talents of well-established professionals from over fifteen countries. Espejo’s vision is clear – to break free from limitations and create a platform where artists from around the world can seamlessly collaborate, infusing their unique cultural perspectives into the vibrant fabric of the American creative scene.

Bringing the Best to the US

For over six years now, UsArts has successfully brought together a stellar lineup of international talents, each contributing their unique flair to the diverse American creative landscape. Here are some of the remarkable individuals who have become synonymous with UsArts:

Izabella Demavlys (Sweden) - Capturing Beauty Through the Lens
Izabella, a talented fashion and product photographer from Sweden, brings a distinctive perspective to her socially engaged personal work while also working for the giant auction house Sotheby’s. Her lens captures beauty and elegance, turning every image into visual poetry.


Larissa Xavier (Brazil) - Wordsmith and Creative Astrologer
Hailing from the vibrant culture of Brazil, Larissa serves as a content editor and astrologist. Her unique blend of storytelling and astrological insights adds a captivating layer to the creative discourse, creating extensively followed projects such as ‘NewYork Women & The Zodiac’ developed in collaboration with illustrator Niege Borges. Larissa's astro artelier brand, STARTELLING, is set to be launched in April 2024 to offer readings, tools, and consultations to help artists and creatives improve their practice through astrology.

Aida Miro (Spain) - Painting the Town with Color
A painter and muralist from Spain, Aida Miro's vibrant strokes and larger-than-life murals bring a touch of Mediterranean passion to the American streets. With several murals around the city, including monumental pieces in the Bronx, Aida has offered a great insight into diversity and socially conscious projects.

Joseph Chun (South Korea) - Crafting Furniture with a Story
Joseph, an NYCxDesign award-winning furniture designer from Korea, infuses his creations with personal narratives. Each piece tells a story, usually a poetic one, bridging the gap between functionality and artistry.


Nico Mardones (Chile) - Directing the Symphony of Visuals
As an Ojo de Iberoamerica and Young Lions award-winning art director from Chile, Nico orchestrates visual narratives that leave a lasting impact. His work transcends boundaries, inviting audiences into a world of imagination while working on campaigns for Green Peace, Burger King, Toyota, and National Geographic.

San Yvin (France) - Creating Cinematic Experiences
A creative producer and director with Vietnamese roots originally from France, San Yvin weaves cinematic magic. His ability to blend storytelling with visuals creates unforgettable experiences on screen while working on projects for brands such as Mugler, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Pandora, and Loewe.

Uttara Ramakrishnan (India) – Consciously Designing the Future of Urban Spaces
Uttara, an urban designer and planner from India, envisions the future of environmentally conscious American cities. Her innovative designs seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics while she works for firms like Perkins&Will and Woods Bagot.


Anya Broido (UK) – Capturing & Influencing Character, One Click at a Time
Anya is a photographer and educator from England whose talent allows her to capture the most striking portraits. Her work sparks fascination, inviting viewers into her intimate relationship with her subjects. She also influences the next generations through her workshops at the Bronx Documentary Center and Brooklyn Central.

Barbara Horvat (Slovenia) – Bridging Border With Laughter – A Cross-Cultural Comedian
An influencer and actress from Slovenia, Barbara Horvat, brings her unique, quirky style to the American cultural scene. Her influence extends beyond her social media platforms and invades the scenes of popular shows and movies.

Saori Mitome (Japan) - Tailoring Fashion Fantasies
Saori, a costume and fashion designer from Japan member of IATSE, weaves intricate fantasies through her designs. Her creations transcend fashion, becoming wearable art, a talent she has lent to respected theater companies, movie productions, and fashion shows.

Subin Yang (South Korea) - Illustrating Imagination
A Korean illustrator, Subin Yang, invites viewers into playful realms. Her characters tell stories that transcend language barriers, creating illustrations for brands such as Apple, Google, Chobani, and TOMS, as well as publications like The New Yorker and Apartment Therapy.

Victor Abarca (Spain) – Leading Hispanic Audiences on Technology
Victor, an influencer and content creator from Spain, uses his platform to create content focused on technology and lifestyle. His influence extends beyond his followers and has been featured in magazines, including Forbes, Wired, and GQ.

Other talents who are part of the UsArts community include the Spanish producer Lander Camarero, the Lebanese-Armenian artist Hildos, and Japanese sand artist Naoshi. Additionally, the community features Mexican photographer Gaspar Marquez, Ukrainian artist Maksym Kazarin, and Canadian photographer Erica Reade. Spanish painters Amaia Marzabal and Indian multidisciplinary artist Kuldeep Singh contribute their diverse talents to UsArts as well.

Us for the Arts: A Platform for Cultural Enrichment

Us for the Arts is not merely an organization; it is a cultural hub from which new perspectives and opportunities in the arts and creative fields emerge. Through programs that focus on professional development and community-participatory initiatives, UsArts is actively contributing to the cultural enrichment of the United States.

In an increasingly interconnected world, Us for the Arts stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and diversity in fueling innovation. The international talents it brings together not only transform the American creative industry but also leave an indelible mark on the global artistic landscape. As UsArts continues to break down borders, it paves the way for a future where creativity knows no bounds.

Written by Adana Vincent