Troy Carter has an eye - and ear - for the new. He started out nurturing the careers of musicians that became household names, including Lady Gaga and John Legend. Today, the founder of tech and music company Q&A also follows his talent-spotting instincts when it comes to art. Over the last decade, Carter has amassed a major collection of works by African-American artists, including Rashid Johnson, Lorna Simpson, Kenturah Davis, and up-and-comer Alake Shilling. In his own circles, he’s a crucial connector, encouraging art-curious personalities from sports and media to take the plunge and start collecting.
Recalling his modest beginnings in West Philadelphia, Carter understands his role as that of a passionate patron. Following advice from Thelma Golden of Harlem’s Studio Museum, his guiding ethos is one of championing artists when they need it most: early in their careers. As a collector, he follows the socially-oriented practice of those in his collection, like Theaster Gates, and supports community initiatives including painter Mark Bradford’s Art + Practice. Reflecting on this drive, he comments, ‘You want to stay connected to what got you there.’
In this episode of ‘Meet the Collectors’, Troy Carter introduces Art Basel to the artists in his LA home and expounds on his belief in showing up early in support of new talent.