Andre’ Wright Jr. celebrates Delaware’s culture and life through his lens, bringing to light the rich, often untold narratives of Indigenous and minority communities. His dedication to capturing these stories is beautifully exemplified in the Indigenous Faces of Wilmington project, a powerful exhibit commissioned by the Delaware Art Museum. This collection, now permanently housed in the museum’s vault, stands as a testament to the history of Andre’s family and the Indigenous people of Wilmington.
Building on his commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, Andre’ co-founded the Original Coloure Collective in January 2021 to highlight, engage, and promote Black creatives and minority-owned businesses during the pandemic.
Andre’s dedication to fostering community and passion for creativity is reflected in his work at Color of Life Branding, a multifaceted agency focused on creating meaningful brand experiences. His photography, showcased in collaborations with Delaware Today and the State of Delaware, highlights the state’s creative talents and positions it as a cultural hub.
Looking ahead, Andre’ aims to collaborate with more organizations and brands to share authentic stories of the community and celebrate Delaware’s rich heritage through the power of photography.
Andre’ shares his thoughts on Delaware’s creative economy:
What does the creative economy mean to you? And in what ways does your work contribute to or support Delaware’s creative economy?
“The creative economy means growth in telling stories from the creative perspective. Showing more culture. Showing more life. My work has told the stories of Indigenous people right here in Wilmington, Delaware.”
Why is a strong creative economy important for Delaware?
“I believe a strong creative economy is important because it will bring culture in telling dope stories for the 302. Being able to see your work on Market Street sparks inspiration. It shows the colors of life.”
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the creative economy in Delaware? How can we work together to address these challenges?
“The challenges are internships and paying the creators their worth—having strong budgets aside for the creators.”
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of the creative economy in Delaware? Is there a specific change you’d like to see implemented?
“I am excited for the big brands to collaborate with creators telling the true stories of the community.”