Artist Ally
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Hello, and Welcome to Artist Ally! 👋

Hello, and Welcome to Artist Ally! 👋

by Xavier Fernandes & Blake Zigrossi

Artist Ally
March 28, 2025

We’re Artist Ally, a collective dedicated to empowering international contemporary artists in Barcelona by mapping opportunities, sharing resources, and developing actionable strategies for long-term career success.

Through lectures, digital content, and online tools, we aim to equip artists with the knowledge, networks, and practical skills they need to thrive in a competitive art world.

What We’re Working On

Currently, we are in residency at Fabra i Coats, in collaboration with UIC Barcelona, where we are developing:
🎨 A comprehensive artist directory
🤝 Mentorship programs
📚 A library of practical tools for organizing, marketing, and sustaining your art career

Why We Do This

At Artist Ally, we believe in the power of inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Many artists, especially expats, migrants, and refugees, face barriers when trying to access opportunities and navigate the complexities of the art world.

Aligned with Barcelona Refuge City, we work to amplify underrepresented voices, foster cultural diversity, and strengthen connections between artists, collectors, and institutions.

We’re a small but dedicated team of two, passionate about making a difference by building pathways for artists to succeed. Our work has been recognized by educational institutions, private companies, and governmental organizations, and we are committed to driving positive change in the arts.

Who’s Behind Artist Ally?

Blake Zigrossi | he/him

Co-Founder & Gallerist
📧 [email protected]
📱 @blakezed

Blake is the Associate Director of Abbozzo Gallery and an expert in artistic management. With a background in Literature and Cultural Management, Blake leads the business development and creative strategy of the gallery. He has successfully managed exhibitions at Prior Art Space Barcelona and serves on the Board of the Art Dealer’s Association of Canada Foundation.

Xavier Fernandes | they/them

Co-Founder, Art Agent & Creative Director
📧 [email protected]
📱 @xuliaxav | Linktree

XAV is a Creative Director and Artist Agent, with expertise in communications and branding. With a Master’s in Arts and Culture Management, they have curated exhibitions and directed immersive artistic experiences internationally. They’ve collaborated with prestigious institutions such as MANIFESTA 15, RZM Festival, and ESPRONCEDA Institute, advising artists on branding, career strategies, and funding opportunities.

Latest News & Updates

Blake Zigrossi i Xavier Fernandes

Qui som Xavier Fernandes és gestor cultural i agent d’artistes. Màster en Gestió d’Arts i Cultura per la UIC. Curador i director creatiu a SAMAMBA. Assessora artistes en estratègies de marca i obtenció de subvencions. Ha col·laborat al MANIFESTA15 Barcelona.

www.barcelona.cat/fabraicoats/ca/residents/2025/blake-zigrossi-i-julia-xavier-fernandes

#alumniuicbcn #fabraicoats #gestióncultural #alumni #uicbarcelona #fic… | Máster Universitario en Gestión Cultural UIC Barcelona

#AlumniUICBCN | #FabraiCoats - Fábrica de Creación del Ajuntament de Barcelona acoge, desde este mes de febrero, dos proyectos en residencia en…

www.linkedin.com/posts/master-gestion-cultural-uic_alumniuicbcn-fabraicoats-gestiaejncultural-activity-7293229416678121474-Oni7/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFaO7fEBwf-9C5DVTwsnpzJ6TKlzHwB_Dv0

Stay Connected with Artist Ally

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📲 Visit our Linktree for other content and resources: LinkTree
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