The Bailey Learning and Arts Collective, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help build knowledgeable, socially responsible communities and leaders utilizing a grassroots ideology, low and no-cost activities, and arts promotion and instruction.
What’s New in ’25…
BLAAC was thrilled to be at the inaugural Reproductive Justice Futurism Convening at Smith College.
Terri Bailey served as Mistress of Culture.
Journal Making Workshop – April 13th
Where: Depot Park – 874 SE 4th St, Gainesville, FL 32601
Time: 1-3pm
ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED!!
Community Pop-Up Shop – May 3rd
It is a pop-up of local artists and small businesses happening on May 3 from 12 pm to 5 pm at 18 SW 1st Ave. To become a vendor or sponsor, email us at blaac2basics1@gmail.com. There is a $25 nonrefundable vendor fee and unfortunately no food or drink vendors will be permitted. Come join us to show your support for Gainesville’s creative community and shop for some new decor! We hope to see you there!
Watch our Documentary “When the Music was Cheap and Damn Near Free”
It is an oral history documentary series focusing on the rich Black history of Gainesville, Florida, while also exploring the history of Black music through the lens of its Black communities. It was put on by Arts In Health at the Heartwood Soundstage in February and will be shown by the city of Gainesville at its Juneteenth celebration!
Congratulations to Terri Bailey, founder of BLAAC, on the successful publication of Gainesville Proper! This incredible project, originally supported by the SPARC352 Artist Grant, preserves the cultural heritage of East Gainesville through a powerful blend of poetry, stories, photos, and visual art.
In addition to the book, the project has also brought to life a mini documentary, When the Music Was Cheap and Damn Near Free, which explores the history of Black music and communities in Gainesville. The journey of Gainesville Proper continues with a poetry reading, a video presentation, an exhibit, and a special community event celebrating the voices and artistry of East Gainesville.
For more details or to get your copy of Gainesville Proper, click here.
BLAAC would like to congratulate founder Terri Bailey for receiving The Randy Martin Spirit Award: Imagining America! This award celebrates professionals working with higher education who demonstrate original thinking and consistently achieve excellence in the areas of artistry, mentorship, institutional leadership, and pedagogy.
Past Events & Stats:
BLAAC is happy to report that this year we served community members of all demographics. We served ages ranged from 12 to 58 years old. 59% self-identified as Black and 24% identified as Hispanic. We provided menstrual and incontinence products to 29 women in Gainesville in 2023. These products included pads, condoms, adult diapers, and more.
This year, we received grants from both The University of Florida Center for Humanities in the Public Sphere and The City of Gainesville, One Nation One Project!! Grants totaled $11,499.
The city of Gainesville proclaimed March 16, 2023, Bailey Learning and Arts Collective Day!
Get the full story in this article for the Independent Alligator Newspaper!
“Poet, activist Terri Bailey build community among women in Gainesville” by Lauren Whiddon
Upcoming Events:
Most Recent Event:
Inaugural Reproductive Justice Futurism Convening at Smith College
Intern Poster Project
This spring, Micaela and Sophia, interned at BLAAC through UF’s Active Learning Program. At the end of their program they created a poster presentation highlighting what they worked on. The interns helped with events, created a newsletter, helped with finances, applied for grants, and created graphics. The interns also planned a vision board event.