We recently had the chance to connect with Kelsey Karper and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
One of the great things about our work at Factory Obscura is every day can be very different from the last! We are constantly tapping into different parts of our brains and talents to achieve such a big, collaborative goal. My days can be a mix of meeting with artists to create plans and work out logistics for big ideas, sharing our story through social media and marketing, setting up our space for special events and concerts, meeting with partners and investors to share our progress or get their buy-in on something new, managing financials for the company… the list goes on! This work keeps me constantly flexing different muscles, and it is NEVER boring.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an artist, curator, and project manager and I’ve been working in the arts in Oklahoma for over 20 years. Through all of my work, the connecting thread has been providing artists the support they need to realize their big ideas, encouraging them to be ambitious and to have a positive impact on their community.
In 2017, the founding team of Factory Obscura came together around a shared vision to build something big for Oklahoma City, offering all people – especially adults – a place to feel and process their emotions, feel inspired, and experience a sense of play. Our goals for the company are many, but they include: building a new economic engine that can evolve how art and artists are valued and sustained; providing a platform for artists to create on a larger, more ambitious scale than is possible on their own; and awakening wonder and joy in our community through meaningful art experiences.
In 2019, we opened our first permanent, year-round art experience called MIX-TAPE, which includes 6,000 square feet of handcrafted immersive art, alongside space for temporary and rotating experiences, along with live music, performances, and events. We are now working on a plan to expand at this location, creating a larger destination which has been our goal since we formed.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was around 9 years old, my Gran took me to see a touring Broadway production of Les Misérables at the Civic Center in Oklahoma City. It was my first time seeing a production of this caliber, and it absolutely blew me away. While I had always been drawn to art and music, seeing this show was the first time I remember consciously recognizing the power that art has to make people FEEL something, to create empathy, and help you see the world through someone else’s experience. Most of my career has been around trying to harness this inherent power of the arts to make the world better through these shared experiences.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
When we first started our company, one of our primary goals was to create full-time jobs for artists, to support them with steady wages and access to benefits like health care. We quickly learned that our artist community needs more flexibility than a full-time job can offer, as they often have multiple interests and projects they are pursuing. We pivoted away from focusing only on full-time positions, rather creating a variety of ways for artists to plug in with our work. This does still include full-time staff, but also allows for part-time and contract work, depending on the needs of the project and the artist.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I believe strongly that artists have power, and deserve respect and to be valued in our society. Artists are intentionally observing, analyzing, and responding to the world around them in a way that few others can. They create and protect culture and history. The work of artists builds community by bringing people together and catalyzing people around shared ideas.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I often forget to celebrate the milestones in my work, because I am always thinking about the potential for what can come next. One thing leads to the next thing, and I’m always thinking about how we can build on what has been accomplished to create something bigger. While there have been many moments along the way that felt rewarding with a sense of accomplishment, I am always dreaming about where we’re going next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.factoryobscura.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factoryobscura
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/factoryobscura
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/factoryobscura
Image Credits
Dylan Johnson
