The Global Art Fair: The Spark North Charleston Needed
North Charleston welcomed artists, entrepreneurs, and community members for the third annual The Global Art Fair, presented by NobleSol Art Group, on October 23–24 at the Park Circle Community Building. The event celebrated the region’s creative talent while advancing a broader vision of North Charleston as a destination for arts, culture, and community-driven economic growth.
Building North Charleston’s Creative Economy
Founded and curated by Okeeba Jubalo, a cultural entrepreneur, gallerist, and force behind North Charleston’s evolving arts landscape, The Global Art Fair reflects a larger vision for the city’s creative and economic future. Through the Okeeba Jubalo Gallery and his work to establish the North Charleston Arts District, Jubalo is building platforms that connect artists with new markets, create opportunities for creative entrepreneurs, and position the arts as a driver of local economic growth.
The fair’s continued development comes at a time when cultural organizations are navigating changes in public funding and financial support. Jubalo discussed the importance of creating independent platforms that can sustain opportunities for artists and cultural programming.
“With federally funded cultural programming facing unprecedented uncertainty, our community requires resilient, self-sustaining platforms it can unequivocally rely on. Locally, as bedrock institutions like the MOJA Arts Festival and the International African American Museum navigate significant financial headwinds, our mandate is unmistakable: our movement must remain independent, fiscally disciplined, and agile. Art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit; it is the economic and cultural foundation upon which we build our future.”
The fair’s regional reach has also been shaped by its partnerships and the participation of cultural leaders from outside South Carolina. This year’s gathering included Dr. Ed Garnes, founder of Atlanta-based From Afros to Shelltoes, and Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival.
“Sustainable growth demands strategic alignment. Purposeful partnerships with the City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department, The Medi Inc., HK Balloons, and our dedicated collaborators make our expanding footprint possible. The presence of distinguished national cultural leaders—such as Dr. Ed Garnes, founder of the Atlanta-based From Afros To Shelltoes, alongside Sunny Sumter, President and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival—underscores that our cultural renaissance is resonating on a national frequency. Our audience metrics reinforce this momentum: collectors, patrons, and cultural enthusiasts are traveling across county borders and state lines, arriving from Delaware, Washington, D.C., and legacy creative hubs like Atlanta.”
Jubalo’s return to North Charleston followed three decades of work as a creative executive and community builder in Atlanta. His plans for the fair extend beyond its annual gathering, with an emphasis on expanding its reach throughout the Lowcountry and South Carolina.
“Three decades of pioneering work as a creative executive and community architect in Atlanta prepared me to return home to North Charleston and establish it as an undisputed epicenter of contemporary art and creative enterprise. As we look ahead to 2027, our vision expands across the broader Lowcountry and the state of South Carolina. We are executing an enduring blueprint—one that honors our heritage, drives sustainable economic vitality, and elevates our region decisively beyond the shadows of larger metropolitan markets.”
Celebrating Artists and Creative Voices
The two-day event opened with a ticketed reception on Friday, October 23, followed by a free community day on Saturday, October 24, presented in partnership with The Medi Community Resource Center. The gathering drew a strong crowd and featured fine artists Okeeba Jubalo, Margaret Warfield, Tosh Fomby, Damon Mescudi, Darrien West, Vando Davis, and Patricia Coleman-Cobb.
Dr. Ed Garnes, founder of From Afros to Shelltoes and Sweet Tea Ethics, also shared perspectives on the importance of artists creating opportunities and institutions that serve their interests. “Anchored in love, The Global Art Fair is led by a team of artists and a curated community who believe culture makers should be in the driver's seat of their own destiny. At a time when antiquated institutions are dying, this artistic movement is thriving by abandoning the traditional gallery model, through which the spoils never trickled down to the artists. We have built our own table, where the joy is plentiful,” Dr. Garnes said.
The opening reception featured the Soul in the Circle concert series. Master percussionist William “Willy” Frasier brought the sold-out crowd to their feet with thunderous applause that set the tone for the evening, followed by spoken-word performances by Ronda Taylor, Georgia Nubia, and poet and featured vendor Christine D. Johnson. Musical headliner Tonya Nicole brought the concert series to a close. Local vendors and creative entrepreneurs featured throughout the event included culinary artist Chef Britt, Habits for Health Now, and handcrafted chocolate vendor Robin Fletcher.
For the artists and performers, the event offered an opportunity to share their work while connecting with an audience that values the cultural experiences and stories represented through their creativity.
“The Global Art Fair gets more beautiful and impactful every year, and I’m excited to witness its continued growth and be part of it. Seeing the event thrive gives me confidence that its influence on our community will continue to grow. There is something truly special about seeing Black artists, culture, creativity, and storytelling come together in such a meaningful way. It is more than art; it is our stories, our voices, our brilliance, and our legacy on display. I look forward to seeing the fair continue to blossom,” said Tonya Nicole.
Johnson described the fair as a place where artists and community members can gather through a shared appreciation for creative expression.
“At some point in our lives, we all want to be in a place where we don’t have to explain ourselves, where we can simply be. For me, The Global Art Fair represents that space. It is an annual homecoming filled with soulful art, poetry, music, and welcoming people that I look forward to each year. With the fair taking place in North Charleston, it creates an even greater sense of connection by making that experience more accessible to the community,” said Johnson.
Creating Space for Conversation and Collaboration
Beyond the exhibitions and performances, Saturday’s programming included two panel discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges facing creative professionals and community organizations.
The first panel, Voices Behind the Lens: Navigating Creative Autonomy in the Lowcountry, was moderated by Katrina Crawford, with photographers Daniel Green, Kim Craven, and Shallah Dozier serving as panelists. The discussion addressed creative independence, fair compensation, and strategies for building sustainable businesses in the photography and visual arts industries.
The Lowcountry Nonprofit Leaders Panel, titled The New Landscape of Impact: Redefining Care, Capital, and Community in the Lowcountry, brought together representatives from The Medi Community Resource Center, WINGS for Kids, My Sister’s House, and Inspirada Creative. Panelists discussed nonprofit collaboration, ethical storytelling, sustainable funding, and approaches to strengthening the communities they serve.
The Global Art Fair 2027: What’s Next
The Global Art Fair brings together artists, entrepreneurs, and community members through a shared appreciation for art, culture, and creative expression. As part of NobleSol Art Group’s broader programming, the event creates opportunities to showcase talent, build connections, and introduce new audiences to the Lowcountry’s creative community.
With plans already turning toward 2027, NobleSol Art Group is inviting artists, entrepreneurs, businesses, and cultural partners to be part of what comes next. As Jubalo continues building the North Charleston Arts District, The Global Art Fair represents an opportunity to invest in a growing creative economy, connect with emerging and established talent, and help shape the region’s cultural future. For those looking to contribute to that vision, the next chapter is already taking shape.
Learn more and connect with The Global Art Fair at TheGlobalArtFair.com.
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