Karen Ponzio Photos
Durden gets ready to record Jefferson and Thabisa’s conversation.
District on James Street was the scene Thursday night of the official launch of Space Studios, the brainchild of videographer and entrepreneur Donnell Durden. Durden is hoping to provide the physical space and equipment — as well as the spark and support — for creatives to make their mark in the world of music, photography, videos, and more.
Space Studios got off the ground through the Collab mentorship program two years ago. Durden said he leased the space in the District building back in November 2020, mid-pandemic.
“It was a rough year,” he said. “Now will be the beginning of what I want it to be.” Durden — who has made videos locally for such clients as Yale, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as nationally for Nike and Adidas — had been using the studio for his own projects. He was eager to engage and attract other creatives to his studio and to “generate energy,” he said.
“This is a community … in the middle of Fair Haven, where I grew up,” he said. “I intentionally wanted to be here, to infuse the building with what needed to be here. I believe in the idea that we need the creatives to uplift.”
Though the studio can be rented by the hour, there are also memberships available at a variety of levels, with Durden hoping to “guide and train” those members who need it as they need it.
“As a member, it’s their studio,” he said. “it’s empowering.” There is also an automated system for booking time through the website with a membership as well as discounts on courses and events. “I want to make it impossible for creatives to say ‘no,’” he said with a smile. “I would come here if it wasn’t my spot. That’s my barometer.”
D.Douglas creates in real time.
A steady flow of creatives, friends and family made their way through Durden’s spot to get a taste of what it had to offer. DJ Eazy kept the beats bumping while everyone enjoyed the food provided by Xadonis Catering and Cruz Control Bakery, among others, out in the hallway. Inside the studio live art was being created by Yulonda Zanders of Wildheart Beauty Den, who was applying makeup to an attendee on one side of the room. On the other side, D. Douglas of Self-Taught Styles painted a canvas surrounded by a variety of her completed pieces.
Jefferson, Thabisa, and Henry strike a pose.
At the other end of the studio Real Prissy took photos of attendees using the studio’s lighting and backdrop. Across from her, Adriane Jefferson, director of cultural affairs for New Haven, interviewed the evening’s musical performers — Thabisa and Finn Henry — before their sets, while being filmed by Durden. The two artists discussed their art and answered a few of Jefferson’s questions, including what the space meant to them and the importance of supporting Black businesses and creatives.
“Walking into space owned by a Black person, you feel like you are known,” said Thabisa. “You can be yourself.”
“We need to trust each other and get to know one another,” she added when asked by Jefferson what could be done to support Black businesses to keep them going, emphasizing the need to help one another and ask, “how can I help you?”
Henry talked about the definition of an anti-racist and anti-biased space with Jefferson, saying that it was a space “allowing an individual who is usually oppressed in their daily lives to be themselves fully and authentically. It allows us to succeed and support each other.”
They also talked about the importance of collaboration. “It starts with love,” said Henry. “If I love myself enough to support me, then I can support others. You have to love your community enough to pour back into it.”
Both Thabisa and Henry poured their hearts and souls into their scintillating performances, both bursting with that communal love and trust they had spoken about with Jefferson. Thabisa sang three songs, including the fan favorite “Eyodidi,” which had the crowd singing along as she coaxed them forward.
Henry sang four songs, including an a cappella number that had the crowd cheering them on while offering accompanying percussion with hands and feet at Henry’s request. The crowd (including Thabisa and this reporter) also got into the act with Henry’s cover of “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan, dancing and singing to its old-school groove.
Durden offers his thanks.
Durden took his turn at the mic to thank everyone after the performances were over. “This is what I’m talking about, opportunities for artists,” he said after he shouted out Zanders and Douglas. “I felt a need for this to be here. I’ll do whatever it takes for us to get it done. I just want to display all the creatives. Think of any movement. The creatives did it.” The crowd cheered in agreement and appreciation.
“You guys appreciating this gives me life,” Durden said.
More information about Space Studios can be found at their website.