If it were up to Jessie Li and Kara Chomistek, the term “starving artist” wouldn’t exist. And, if the success of their organization, PARK (Promoting Artists | Redefining Kulture), is any indication, it doesn’t have to.
In 2008, Chomistek was studying biomechanical engineering at the University of Calgary while Li was studying accounting at the U of C’s Haskayne School of Business. Despite their more academic pursuits, both had an interest in fashion and the arts, but they noticed that those local communities were losing ground.