Gucci is thrilled to announce the inaugural recipients of the 2024 Gucci Changemakers Creative Fellows program: Celeste Nicole, Keith Herron, Yetunde Sapp, and Zahri Jackson.
The Gucci Changemakers Creative Fellows program supports up-and-coming talented creatives and impact leaders with grant funding to complete or launch a creative project.
These four individuals are all alumni of the Gucci Changemakers Scholars program, and each received grant funding and mentorship to design and launch a creative project. Each recipient completed an intensive application, including a pitch video, portfolio, interview, and essay responses, which the Gucci Changemakers Council reviewed.
The 2024 Gucci Changemaker Creative Fellows describe their projects and the inspiration behind their work:
AMERICAN DREAM: “This collection will tell the story of an existence that is out of alignment with antiquated, whitewashed notions of All-American aesthetics and societal norms that have neglected to include non-conforming identities. Aiming to reflect fluidity between adoration for tradition and cultural pride, American Dream is a satirical critique of exclusive ideals, co-opting and reimagining classic imagery in radically inclusive terms. It will stand in opposition to and irony of the classic American phrase.” – Celeste Nicole.
DIGITAL WORLD & FRIENDS: “His newest ready-to-wear collection. It is a commercial offering for the Fall/Winter 2024 season that accompanies his newly launched series in partnership with Apple Music entitled “Digital World.” For the project, Keith enlisted tastemakers and creatives of different backgrounds to represent the brand.” – Keith Herron.
HEIRLOOM MUSEUM: I AM BECAUSE THEY ARE: “This exhibition features cumulative research that highlights a journey to discovering the remarkable contributions of two unsung figures in my family: Rose Marie McCoy (my maternal great-grandaunt) and Debby Moore (my paternal great-grandmother). Both women moved to NYC in the 1950s/60s to pursue musical careers that ultimately gave them the agency to support themselves during segregation. “I AM BECAUSE THEY ARE” empowers and inspires current and future generations within the Black community. It also enriches the understanding of jazz’s evolution by showcasing the other diverse voices that have shaped its history.” – Yetunde Sapp.
“$FREE.99” is a coming-of-age short film set in 2011 about a high school freshman whose relationship with her best friend and sister is threatened when they uncover her secret spiraling obsession: stealing. Delving into themes of sisterhood, loyalty, shame, and the heightened complexities of navigating adolescence, “$FREE.99” highlights the nuanced experiences of a young and flawed Black female protagonist, blending childlike whimsy and devastating angst with a nostalgic nod to the early 2010s era. The film seeks to confront bias and foster empathy for the often misunderstood narratives of Black girls. – Zahri Jackson
