Kami Astro moved from Chicago, IL, to Knoxville, TN, in 2017. He came for opportunities in the vibrant television industry at the time and began a production company called FRVR Recordings. As that landscape changed and Kami got more entrenched in the community through social justice projects and cultural arts, he began to see the need for a space for artists of all types to have a safe place for congregating and collaborating.
Enter Corte-Land Art House.
Kami was recently appointed to the Mayor’s Maker Council beginning Sept 1, 2024. According to their website, “In July 2024, he opened the doors to Corte-Land Art House on 503 Clinch Ave #101, Knoxville, TN, to fulfill this vision. The music producer and audio engineer had been ideating this project for ten years. Corte-Land is an intentional creative space, an artist hub for people to casually network, enjoy local art, and attend community-building events like workshops and concerts. The location is modular allowing for both visual and musical arts, with the aim of being a third space to kickstart the creative process. Especially important in his vision was for the space to be dignified, clean, professional, to respect the artists, and provide the proper resources to complete projects on site.”
Named after his late brother, whose middle name was Cortez, Kami sought to honor him with a creative space bearing his name that gives local artists a chance to sell their retail goods, showcase their art, perform and network. Kami’s older brother died due to gun violence in southside Chicago. Kami described himself as shy and reserved when he was younger, but he also had audio production skills he didn’t have the resources to execute. His brother was an encourager and a catalyst for Kami pursuing his dreams. He wants to continue his brother’s legacy of believing in others who may not have the confidence to believe in themselves and giving them the tools and resources they need to pursue their dreams.
Corte-Land Art House is an alcohol-free collaboration space, one of the most significant needs he heard about from the artist community. Kami described venues like this in Chicago that functioned as both fashion boutiques and hosted performances while allowing artists to earn revenue and more opportunities for performance and exposure. Knoxville offers many performance spaces, but none that would enable the artist to do their creative process outside of performances. Corte-Land Art House has a private production/recording studio on the lower level. It supports artists who need professional support and equipment, space for band practices, podcast recordings, live streaming, etc. He hopes to facilitate healthy skill-sharing between artists and professionals in-house.
I chatted with Amanda Hale and Kami when I stopped by last week. Amanda is the retail manager of Corte-Land Art House and the owner of Raisin’ Hale Vintage. Upon losing her job during the pandemic, Amanda began selling her vintage finds on Instagram. What started as a hobby became a passion and a working business. She sources her findings from estate sales and even “hoarding” situations. She has booths in several local locations, helps to run the retail side of Corte-Land Art House, and is just one of the retailers in the venue.
Kami talked with me about the significance of being one of the only black ‘brick and mortar’ business owners downtown and his desire to make a safe space for everyone. He wants artists who enter the venue to know, “It is ok for art to be intentional. It is ok for art to have quality, and it is ok for spaces to make you feel encouraged and inspired.” He hopes to drive a movement of more spaces like this in Knoxville.
They are still looking for investors to help make their model sustainable for the community. He is encouraged by the support they have received so far. Their location has been ideal: They are on the cusp of the UT campus and downtown, with ample parking nearby via street parking or the parking garage across the street.
They participate in First Friday fun with a comedy show with local comedian Brandy Augustus. Once they are running at full capacity, they plan to have 2-4 shows a week. Right now, you can follow their social media for the show schedule of rotating musicians, DJs, comedians, visual artists, and others.
Their retail hours are 12-7 Tuesday-Thursday and 1-7 Friday-Saturday.
If you are an artist, retailer, or investor interested in more information on the space, click this link to fill out the artist inquiry form and learn how to support this project.