Meet Geoffrey Darwent

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Geoffrey Darwent. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Geoffrey below.

Geoffrey, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from a spark within me that I’ve come to recognize as *Hope*. It has been my quiet companion through life’s most difficult moments—a tool that’s guided me when everything else felt uncertain. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wrestled with the feeling of not quite fitting in. And yet, this ongoing personal struggle has also been a source of motivation fuelling a deeper desire to create something meaningful, not just for myself but for others navigating similar paths.

Hope inspires me to carve out space where I can fully express my creative self, while also fostering connection and community. Even in moments when I’ve reached out and been met with silence or lack of support, I’ve resisted the pull of bitterness. Instead, I’ve chosen to move forward with intention and positivity. That choice—repeated again and again—opens the door to new ideas. Art Connex U was one of those ideas. It came from that inner spark and has since become a way to uplift both myself and the creative voices around me. I envisioned Art Connex U as a platform, a community, and a support system.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Geoffrey Darwent Launches Art Connex U to Uplift Local Artists Through Connection and Visibility

Geoffrey Darwent, Montreal-based artist and founder of Art Connex U, is on a mission to celebrate and support local creatives. Art Connex U is a growing platform dedicated to giving visibility to artists through online profiles, interviews, and event promotion. The project was inspired by Geoffrey’s personal journey as an artist navigating the challenges of limited support and exposure.

Art Connex U operates as a creative hub—bridging artists and communities through storytelling, collaboration, and shared visibility. The platform recently launched a video interview series and is preparing to release a printed art book featuring subscribed artists later this year.

“Sometimes all someone needs is to be seen,” says Geoffrey. “Art Connex U exists to make sure that happens.”

To learn more or to become part of the Art Connex U network, visit www.art-connex-u.com.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three things that have had the biggest impact on my journey are:

**1. Resilience** – There have been moments where I felt discouraged, unsupported, or even invisible. But what’s kept me going is the ability to bounce back and keep moving forward. I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up *with intention*. For anyone starting out, I’d say: protect your creative energy, and don’t let temporary setbacks define your path.

**2. Creative Vision** – Being able to see beyond the moment and imagine what *could be* has always guided me. Art Connex U was an idea that came from a need I personally felt, and I followed that spark. My advice? Don’t be afraid to act on the ideas that won’t leave you alone—those are often the ones worth building on.

**3. Community Awareness** – Understanding that creativity doesn’t exist in a vacuum was a game-changer. Once I started thinking about how I could create *with* others and *for* others, everything shifted. If you’re early in your journey, look for ways to collaborate, connect, and listen—community can often be your greatest resource.

Ultimately, your path won’t look like anyone else’s—and that’s okay. Just stay rooted in what matters most to you, and keep creating space for others as you grow.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

At Art Connex U, we welcome and work with artists across all disciplines—not just painters, but photographers, sculptors, writers, musicians, designers, performers, and creatives of all kinds. Our platform is built to support and showcase *diverse forms of artistic expression* and help creatives connect meaningfully with their communities.

For **artists**, the ideal collaborator is someone who is passionate about their work and sees value in being part of a supportive, grassroots network. They’re not just seeking visibility—they’re looking to build relationships, share their journey, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.

For **collaborators and sponsors**, we’re looking to partner with individuals and organizations who understand the importance of cultural connection and who believe in the long-term value of nurturing local creative communities. Whether it’s through funding, promotion, or shared programming, the right partners bring a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and social impact.

For **gallery owners**, Art Connex U can be a bridge—helping uncover new talent and offering stories and context that bring depth to the artist’s presence in your space. Our platform allows you to tap into a growing network of engaged, multidisciplinary creatives who are ready to take the next step in their journey.

Ultimately, whether you’re an artist, a funder, or a venue, if you believe in the power of art to connect people and transform communities, then you’re exactly who we want to work with.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.art-connex-u.com