Hello, I'm Givanete Castillo, a 20-year-old first-generation Dominican-American artist based between Miami and New York. My practice encompasses photography, illustration, printmaking, and creative direction, all rooted in storytelling, identity, memory, and community. Despite lacking formal arts education, I've been working professionally in the arts since I was 16, collaborating with global institutions and building an independent, self-taught creative career.

At 17, I moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). I fully supported myself through full-time work as a gallery assistant, covering tuition, rent, and living expenses. However, financial hardship forced me to pause my studies. Despite this setback, I've spent the last 3 years, involved in the art world, Working as a Creative Assistant at a Miami based Artist Residency, directing photoshoots for various publications, and collaborating closely with artists within my areas of expertise.

Recently, I received acceptances into the University of the Arts London's highly competitive Design for Art Direction program and Photography in Creative Industries program. This opportunity represents a significant milestone in my artistic journey, offering mentorship, structure, and community that I've been looking for.

Previously, I received acceptances from art schools such as Parsons, SAIC, Pratt, and ICP. However, due to financial constraints and lack of institutional support, I've had to decline these opportunities.

This opportunity is different as it heavily focuses on Art Direction, a field I've been deeply dedicated to the past three years, and am so passionate about. The BA (Hons) Design for Art Direction program at UAL is globally recognized as one of the best in its field, offering a curriculum that emphasizes practical, conceptual, and managerial skills essential for a career in art direction and creative production. This program is suited to my aspirations, providing the mentorship and structured environment I could benefit from. Given UAL's esteemed reputation and the program's alignment with my career goals, this is an opportunity I cannot afford to miss.

To make this opportunity a reality, I seek to raise a minimum of $70,000 by August 2025 to cover my first year of tuition, housing, and essential student costs at UAL. The full cost of the three-year program is estimated at $186,750 to $210,750 USD.

Estimated Yearly Costs:

Tuition: $40,000

Housing (Dormitory): $18,000 – $23,000

Living Essentials (food, transportation, study materials, visa and healthcare fees): $5,700 –$8,700

Yearly Total: $63,700 – $71,700

To date, I've raised $10,000 which I have allocated for my Course Security Deposit, an immediate requirement to confirm enrollment, as well as Commencing my Visa process.

While tuition coverage is the most urgent priority, any assistance is deeply valued. Support may include:

Funding for equipment, materials, or public transportation

Help securing stable student housing

Introductions to donors, foundations, or arts funding organizations

Connections to London-based networks and resources

Mentorship, residencies, or creative collaborations

No support is too small, access to opportunity, community, and knowledge is just as important as financial aid.

Through my studies at UAL, I aim to deepen my practice in creative and art direction, particularly within print media, visual storytelling, and cultural strategy. My long-term goal is to launch a creative agency and a print-based platform rooted in collaboration, community, and visual culture within Miami. I am committed to building sustainable infrastructure for emerging artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and to returning to Miami to create cultural spaces with lasting impact.

My journey has been one of persistence, resourcefulness, and vision. I've already built a foundation and now, I seek the tools, mentorship, and education to go even further. Your support is an investment not only in my future but in the cultural future of the communities I represent and serve.

Thank you for considering supporting my education and artistic journey. Every contribution brings me one step closer to realizing my dreams <3.