CÎROC debuts the first member of the Blue Dot Creative Residency inaugural class
Imani Ellis on Addressing the Creator’s Dilemma and the Blue Dot Creative Residency
The Creative Collective founder, Imani Ellis, recently partnered with CÎROC during the Sundance Film Festival, where she hosted a thought-provoking panel, “Addressing the Creator’s Dilemma,” at the MACRO Lodge.
By Justin WallaceMarch 5 2025, Published 3:16 p.m. ET
Founder and CEO of CULTURECON and The Creative Collective NYC Imani Ellis announces Uzo Njoku as recipient of the CÎROC Blue Dot Creative of the Year Award and awards $10,000 grant to fund passion project.
The discussion brought together an all-star lineup, including Michael Ealy, David Oyelowo, Woody McLean, and Andrea Jerome, to explore the challenges that creatives face and the resources they need to thrive. Following this successful weekend, CÎROC announced the launch of the Blue Dot Creative Residency (BDCR), an innovative initiative designed to champion creativity, mentorship, and storytelling while providing opportunities for emerging storytellers to bring their passion projects to life.
In this exclusive interview, Ellis discusses the vision behind the Sundance panel, the challenges facing today’s creators, and what’s next for the Creative Collective.
Imani Elli joins industry icons Michael Ealy, Jharrel Jerome and David Oyelowo
Justin: During Sundance, what was your vision for the panel addressing the creator’s dilemma, and how does CÎROC support that vision?
Imani: Absolutely. One of the things I really wanted to prioritize was alignment, and this partnership with CÎROC just made so much sense. Specifically, we’re focused on empowering Black and Brown creatives. This was my first time in Park City, and hosting this panel was an incredible experience. We not only discussed the creator’s dilemma but also introduced the Blue Dot Creative Residency. Having such an amazing panel, including Michael Ealy, David Oyelowo, Woody McLean, and Andrea Jerome, allowed us to have a powerful conversation about the challenges creatives face and the resources they need to take their work to the next level.
Justin: From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges creators face today, and how can they navigate them?
Imani: It really boils down to three main areas. First is mentorship—you can avoid years of mistakes just by learning from those who’ve been there before. Second is resources—you can have all the ideas in the world, but without funding and access to tools, it can be hard to execute. Finally, there’s the importance of community. Connecting with like-minded creatives who have shared experiences is essential. That’s why the Blue Dot Creative Residency is so exciting—it’s designed to provide those necessary resources, mentorship, and a support system to help creatives move forward.
Justin: Have you personally experienced a creative dilemma in your journey? If so, how did you overcome it?
Imani: Absolutely. One of the things Michael Ealy said at Sundance really resonated with me—focusing on your own journey. It’s easy to compare your path to others, but that can be a trap. I draw inspiration from history, my community, and my personal experiences, and I’ve learned to embrace my own unique creative journey. The key is to trust your process, honor your individuality, and stay committed to your own pace.
Justin: How did the partnership with CÎROC come about, and what makes this collaboration the right fit for the Creative Collective?
Imani: We’ve been partnering with CÎROC for several years now. The most recent collaboration was the Creator’s Dilemma panel at Sundance, but we’ve also worked together on the Creative Class Awards, which celebrate the next generation of Black innovators. This year marks our second partnership for the Creative Class Awards, happening on February 26. Additionally, CÎROC has been a key supporter of CultureCon for years. When you align on values and mission, these partnerships just make sense, and this residency is another step in empowering Black and Brown creatives.
Justin: Can you share more details about the Blue Dot Creative Residency and its impact on emerging storytellers?
Imani: Absolutely. The residency is designed to address the toughest challenges creatives face—access to funding, mentorship, and community support. Two of the inaugural residents are Woody McLean and Erica Alexander. Woody, for instance, is passionate about music, and through this residency, he’ll receive funding and mentorship to elevate his project. The idea is to take creatives beyond the idea phase and give them the tools and support they need to bring their visions to life.
Justin: Following the success of the Sundance panel, what’s next for the Creative Collective, and what projects are you most excited about in 2025?
Imani: We have so much planned! CultureCon is coming up at the end of the year, and the Creative Class Awards are happening at the end of this month. We’re also bringing back several community events because now more than ever, we need each other. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re focused on partnerships with brands like CÎROC that truly understand and support our mission. There are some exciting announcements on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.
Through her work with the Creative Collective and partnerships like the Blue Dot Creative Residency with CÎROC, Imani Ellis continues to create meaningful opportunities for emerging creatives. By focusing on mentorship, resources, and community, she’s helping to redefine what it means to thrive in today’s creative landscape. With CultureCon, the Creative Class Awards, and more initiatives on the way, 2025 is shaping up to be another transformative year for Ellis and her mission to uplift Black and Brown creatives.
