A platform for presence. A movement for more. Built to honor the people behind the practice.
The First of Many (TFOM)began as a whisper—a question, really: What would it look like to build platforms that didn’t just include us, but were created by us, for us—rooted in our own definitions of success, artistry, and impact?
What started as an idea became a project, quickly evolved into a movement, and now stands as a full-fledged brand. TFOMis a living archive, a creative agency, and a cultural platform—all rooted in the belief that being the FIRSTshould never mean being the only.
What started as a one-off event became a movement. Then a platform. Now a full creative ecosystem.
TFOMis a creative agency and cultural platform that uses storytelling, community-building, and curated experiences to center the voices of Baltimore-based artists, creatives, visionaries and etc. Our work is rooted in legacy, driven by imagination, and powered by care.
We believe in building the kind of spaces we wish we had growing up—where your story matters, your dreams are nurtured, and your creativity is protected.
TFOMis not just about being theFIRSTto do something—it’s about ensuring you’re not the last.
Why We Exist
We exist because far too often, brilliance goes unsupported. Because artists and organizers are expected to do it all, with nothing. Because survival often replaces self-expression—and we believe you deserve both. TFOM is here to shift the narrative. To offer more than visibility—to offer infrastructure. To turn the spark into a flame. To make sure THE FIRST OF MANY… is never the last.
What We’re Building
TFOM is building a world where care and creativity coexist. Where stories matter. Where legacy is protected. Where the next generation of artists, thinkers, and leaders can be FIRST—without being alone.
Our Values
Representation without tokenism: We believe in showing up fully—not as symbols, but as complex, complete people whose voices matter beyond optics.
Collaboration over competition: We choose shared growth. Our work is built on mutual respect, resource-sharing, and collective creativity.
Joy as resistance:We honor joy as a radical and necessary act—an anchor in the face of systems that thrive on our exhaustion.
Art as a tool for healing, storytelling, and community empowerment:Creativity is not optional. It helps us process, connect, and imagine something beyond survival.
Storytelling as legacy: We archive in real time. Our stories aren’t just personal—they’re cultural memory, passed forward with intention.
Infrastructure that sustains artists, not just platforms them:We’re not here to spotlight you and leave you hanging. We build systems that support the whole artist—for the long haul.
Our Offerings
Below are our core programs and initiatives, each born from lived experience and built with community at the center. Click to learn more about each one.
