Tiara Austin is a Brooklyn-native, writer, educator and daughter of Jamaican immigrants. She received her B.A. in Africana Studies and Sociology from Smith College. Her undergraduate research through the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship focused on black feminist art and theorizing public gatherings. Tiara recently completed the Brooklyn Museum Education Fellowship in Public and School Programs. In her downtime, Tiara can be found reading or singing around the house.
Tiara Ebony Austin
Get to know Tiara Ebony Austin
In what neighborhood do you live?
Bed Stuy
How did you first become connected to The LP, or hear about The LP?
I was connected to The LP from the Convening on Black Institution Building at the Brooklyn Museum.
What attracted you to The LP? How does working here relate to your professional goals?
The LP vision and values blew me away. The language is intentional and poetic. The LP prioritizes communities and co-creation strategies that I want to continually center in my future studies and career.
Can you tell us about an artist or project that has inspired you?
I’ve been thinking deeply about Amaryllis DeJesus Moleski’s work lately. Her work enables me to fuse ideas about ancestry, vitality, intimacy, and futurity.
What is your favorite… film? …album? …food?
My favorite album is Noname’s Telefone. My favorite food is my mom’s ackee and saltfish with fried breadfruit and bammy.
Where do you do your laundry?
My mom’s house in Canarsie.
In your opinion, why does art matter?
Art is an expressive culture and an archive. Art allows people to connect, release, protest, and create worlds.
What LP value do you most relate to and why?
I most relate to “being propelled by love.” I try to move through the world in love, tapping into emotion as a knowledge form. Love is a powerful tool to care for and to mobilize others. Love and care challenge oppressive structures and catapult change. Love demands intentional engagement with others and is a catalyst for reimagination.