Komuna was founded in Spring 2020 with the objective of creating an inclusive art membership club. Not a mere social club, Komuna aims to educate both new and experienced collectors on the process of developing a personal collection. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with membership opening in New York City, the programming will extend nationally and internationally in 2023.
In a historically exclusive field where collectors and dealers move within an “old boy’s club,” Komuna welcomes young, diverse collectors and avid art enthusiasts, keeping members abreast of upcoming showings, auctions, artist panels, and all else related to the arts. Komuna also develops bespoke experiences for members, including studio visits, private exhibition previews, and group trips to art fairs. During the beginning of the pandemic, members had access to live-streamed interviews, online networking events, classes, and virtual gallery visits.
The first year’s programming included interviews with visual artist Sydney Vernon with curator and writer Kiara Ventura and Los Angeles-based artist Gabriella Sanchez with curator Essence Harden, as well as guided gallery tours of online viewing rooms at Various Small Fires (VSF), David Zwirner’s ‘Platform,’ and Kavi Gupta Gallery.
The Founder, Chela Mitchell, a Washington, D.C. -based art advisor, felt it was critical that “people of color can join a community within the art world where they belong and feel seen.” With this in mind, she also highlights those historically underrepresented in the art world, women and artists of color, both established and emerging. She emphasizes understanding the value of investing in art, not simply for aesthetics, but as a vehicle for building and passing on intergenerational wealth and knowledge.