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open research + image studio

projects.
agency.
words+images.

academy.
studio+cafe.
cinema.
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PIPELINE STUDIO + CAFE

reimagining mentorship.

we are the connection between curriculum requirements and corporate standards. we exist to advance creative education, expand access to design & cultural systems to connect people through art and strategy by supporting collaboration and public benefit across creative industries. we are creative thinkers, orators, researchers and educators who believe in the continuity of creative outlets led by the creative community. our goals align within the ethos of entrepreneurship, ownership and authorship. we work with people, businesses and organizations across all major platforms and industries. we also build the engines that create the infrastructures to make collaboration tangible. our purpose is to advance creative education, design access, expand food equity and cultural sustainability by shrinking the gap between ideation and execution.

pipeline studio + cafe collegiate cohort operates in multiple cities as a resource and reference platform for university students to help cultivate and place young talent in their respective industries.

founder, president: murph phi
vice president: sydney wilson
head of global ventures and partnerships: natia aqulashvili
head of finance: kim pace

creative director: yazmine dearing
editor: andre talford

head of curation and acquisitions: jeffrey melo
head of residency: elijah brown
head of research and culture: jaurice phinazee

instructors: andre talford, murph phi
cohort chairs: elijah brown, sydney wilson
treasurer: rayce copeland
secretary: khamari pineda
director: isaiah anderson

2026-2027 cohort
maddie han, c/o ‘26 photo+film (VCUarts)
ciera plata, c/o ‘27 fashion merchandising (VCUarts)

organizational partnerships
all city art club
vcu department of african american studies
national association for the advancement of colored people, vcu chapter
national association of black journalists, vcu chapter

vcu school of social work
radical alliance of anti-racism, change and equity

educational mentors:
dr. ronah harris - PhD (play pattern)
dr. lisa scott - EdD (the art of words community school)