A Sense of Us
THE KOLLECTIVE is a group of innovative creatives that help uplift, build and grow artists, brands and small businesses. Our mission is to amplify the voices of underrepresented and misrepresented artists and connect them with opportunities that align with our shared vision. We are the disruptors and underdogs that aim to create, share and tell stories through visual art and self-expression.
We find the right people for the right roles and together, bring your vision to life.
We are the catalyst for a new culture, one that inspires limitless and boundless creativity.
Our vision, passion and purpose is to become culture curators and grow together as THE KOLLECTIVE.
THE STORY
As WOC creatives, we started to become frustrated with the lack of representation and opportunities in our industry. Under all the “glitz and glamour” came the harsh realities of how difficult it can be to find your seat at the table. We’ve faced our own challenges while working with agencies who misrepresented or tokenized us, having a lack of financial security and support - all while trying to get our foot in a door that always seems to close on us. Instead of trying to fit into the status-quo, we decided to shift and revolutionize how we can create space. Our dream has always been to provide a platform for artists and creatives to evolve and thrive. We want a community of talented individuals who can connect with one another and create magic together. To build our own opportunities. Our own table. Our goal is to feed the family.
And with that.. THE KOLLECTIVE was born.
Kiran Rai, also known by her creator name KayRay, is an actor and filmmaker based out of Toronto. Throughout the past decade, Kiran has used her platform to primarily focus on addressing taboos within the South Asian community through short films, documentaries and digital series. From bridging the gap between children of immigrants and their parents to bringing light on dating violence to combating the stigma of mental health - she has been able to create meaningful dialogue through her work. After starring in the hit web-series Anarkali, she's been able to build a connection to her audience. Regardless of the approach, she constantly challenges people on their perception of womxn of colour in the industry. Through her satirical yet didactic content, Kiran's work continuously inspires critical conversation. Her work has been featured in the likes of Toronto Star, NBC News, CBC, BBC and Cosmo India with her talk show Cha Da Cup With KayRay now airing on Brit Asia TV.
As the co-founder and visionary of THE KOLLECTIVE - she hopes to curate this safe space for young creatives to learn, grow and build themselves through opportunities. With a desire to guide others and discover opportunities, she is committed to putting power back into the hands of creators while working with clients who believe in our purpose.
Baljit Singh is known to be a well-rounded creative. An analog photographer by trait, she has blossomed into becoming an incredible story-teller through cinematography, graphic design and as an editor. As an artist who is committed to documenting and creating narratives focused on POC, her work plays with nostalgia with a modern spin. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Elle Magazine, FLARE, National Post, Cosmopolitan, NBC, BBC and USA Today.
Over the past few years, Baljit has been behind-the-scenes branding multiple artists, businesses and shows. As the
co-founder and executor of THE KOLLECTIVE, she aims to re-invent and produce quality pieces of work for our clients that align with our shared vision.