Atlanta, We Can Do Better for Disabled Artists

I am reaching out to ask for your support in creating a coalition for disabled and street artists in Atlanta. The first step is simple: reply to this message to show there are artists and allies interested in joining. Demonstrating interest will help me show community leaders, business owners, and potential supporters that this movement matters.

The Problem: A Broken Permit Process

The current permit system for artists is broken. It is:

• Too expensive: You must pay to apply, and if you are denied, the city keeps your money.

• Too complicated: It requires both a business license and a permit—two hurdles almost impossible for many of us to clear.

• Too bureaucratic: The reporting and accounting requirements are overwhelming, especially for artists with brain injuries or other disabilities.

  
  

Most of us don’t even earn enough to file taxes (around $9,000/year), yet the city demands the same processes required of established businesses. Instead of supporting artists, the system pushes us out.

Who This Affects

This isn’t just my struggle. It affects painters, jewelry makers, copper wrappers, and countless others across Atlanta who are told by police they cannot sell their work, even when we have permission from local businesses.

For example, I have sold art outside Jason’s Deli with the owner’s blessing and at Piedmont Park. Still, police often ask me to leave. I have even reached out to the Piedmont Conservancy, who never respond but also never force me out. After five years of this cycle, the lack of clarity and support takes its toll.

I know the police have a job to do, and I never cause trouble. I’m professional, respectful, and friendly with customers and businesses. The real issue isn’t them—it’s the bureaucracy they work under. I always comply, but I also keep trying because I need the income, and because it is a matter of pride.

Why This Matters

Everyone needs more than a disability check. We need work for dignity, purpose, and self-esteem. For me, relying on disability alone feels like a cage. I can be productive, but my limitations make it impossible to work for others, even with accommodations. What I—and many others—need is control over our work environment and a legitimate way to thrive on our terms.

A coalition and a legitimate brick-and-mortar space would:

• Give us a stable and recognized place to sell our work.

• Help artists build a following and possibly move off disability.

• Remove barriers by offering shared support, resources, and visibility.

  
  

The Call to Action

That is why I am calling for donors, pro bono lawyers, grant writers, accountants, and community allies to join this effort. Together, we can:

• Build a coalition of disabled and street artists.

• Create a legitimate space for artists to sell their work.

• Challenge and reform Atlanta’s broken permit system.

  
  

If you can help—or even if you just want to be counted as interested—please reply to this message or contact me through the link in the menu above. Every response matters.

With respect and determination,

Lucian Seraphis, my pen name. I am also a self-published writer trying to get a following.

Executive Summary

United Artists Access Network (UAAN) is a nonprofit coalition dedicated to empowering disabled artists through opportunity, visibility, and fair economic participation. Founded on the belief that talent knows no limits, UAAN exists to break barriers and build creativity by providing disabled artists with the resources, community, and marketplace access they need to thrive.

Our model is simple yet powerful: we purchase artwork from disabled artists at fair market value, then resell it through our retail gallery, online store, and special events. This ensures immediate income for the artist while expanding their audience and market reach. The physical gallery space will serve as both a storefront and community hub—hosting exhibitions, workshops, and networking events that foster collaboration and advocacy.

UAAN’s hybrid funding strategy combines art sales revenue with targeted arts and disability grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships. Our first-year goals include forming our nonprofit structure, securing a business district location, recruiting at least 20 member artists, and launching a national e-commerce platform to promote their work.

By connecting talent with opportunity, UAAN not only changes the lives of disabled artists but also enriches the cultural landscape as a whole. Empowering disabled artists through opportunity is more than our mission — it’s our commitment.

Mission Statement

United Artists Access Network exists to break barriers and build creativity by providing disabled artists with the resources, opportunities, and community they need to thrive. We believe talent knows no limits, and our programs are designed to remove the social, physical, and economic obstacles that stand in the way of creative expression. Through exhibitions, sales initiatives, and mentorship, we empower disabled artists to share their vision with the world — because empowering disabled artists through opportunity transforms not only their lives, but the cultural landscape as a whole.

Vision Statement

To become the leading national hub for disabled artists, recognized for fostering an inclusive creative economy where disabled creators are celebrated, financially supported, and represented in mainstream art markets.

Core Objectives

1. Artist Representation – Purchase, promote, and resell artwork from disabled artists, ensuring fair compensation and visibility.

2. Community Building – Provide a physical space in a business district where disabled artists can network, collaborate, and display their work.

3. Skill Development – Offer workshops, mentorship, and resources to strengthen both artistic and business skills.

4. Advocacy – Promote awareness and challenge stereotypes about disabled artists through public engagement and media outreach.

5. Sustainability – Operate a self-sustaining business model combining sales revenue, grants, and donations.

   
   

Inclusion Policy

UAAN is committed to supporting all disabled artists, regardless of current skill level, artistic discipline, or professional experience. Our participation process is intentionally simple: artists provide a redacted award letter verifying disability status (name and basic identifying info only; no personal or income details) and submit their artwork for consideration.

UAAN purchases all submitted work at fair, pre-set rates — ensuring every participating artist receives financial recognition for their creativity. This approach eliminates the barriers of juried selection, portfolio requirements, and subjective quality standards, which often favor elite or already-connected artists.

By investing in every artist, UAAN fosters an inclusive creative environment where beginners and professionals alike can develop, gain confidence, and find their audience.

Programs & Services

• Retail Gallery & Studio Space – A storefront where artwork is sold, and artists can work on-site.

• Artist Purchase Program – Buy selected works from disabled artists at fair market value for resale.

• Mentorship & Training – Professional development in marketing, portfolio building, and financial literacy.

• Community Exhibitions – Regular themed shows that feature network artists alongside invited guest artists.

• Online Sales Platform – An e-commerce site for nationwide exposure and sales.

  
  

Service Area & Growth Model

UAAN will initially operate as a local organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, serving artists within the metro area. This focus ensures sustainable operations and allows the organization to maintain its guaranteed-purchase model without overextending resources.

To expand UAAN’s impact without sacrificing quality, the organization will develop a Mentorship & Affiliate Program. This program will provide toolkits, training, and guidance to disabled artists and community leaders in other cities who wish to replicate the UAAN model in their own areas.

Affiliate hubs will operate independently, sourcing and purchasing artwork locally while adhering to UAAN’s core mission, inclusion policy, and ethical standards. This decentralized approach preserves the integrity of the program while enabling nationwide growth through empowered local leadership.

Funding Sources

• Grants – Target arts councils, disability advocacy organizations, and community revitalization funds.

• Donations – Public campaigns with clear impact stories.

• Sales Revenue – From gallery, online store, and special events.

• Corporate Sponsorships – Partner with businesses for mutual promotion.

  
  

First-Year Goals

1. Form legal entity (nonprofit status) and recruit a founding board.

2. Secure seed funding through at least three small grants and one crowdfunding campaign.

3. Lease and outfit a retail/gallery space in a visible business district.

4. Sign on at least 20 member artists.

5. Launch the United Artists Access Network website and online sales platform.

   
   

Founder Biography – Michael Wallick

Michael Wallick, founder of United Artists Access Network, brings over 20 years of leadership experience across hospitality, sales management, public relations, and creative production. His career spans managing high-volume restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, directing territory sales for multiple companies, and producing media for independent artists — all while demonstrating a consistent ability to grow revenue, lead diverse teams, and deliver results in fast-paced environments. Unfortunately, brain injuries are complicated, so I will need help.

Michael’s background in hospitality includes managing day-to-day operations, staffing, budgeting, and customer engagement in some of Atlanta’s busiest venues. His sales career is equally distinguished, with achievements such as increasing territory revenue by 80% in six months for a regional distributor.

His work in public relations and digital media production has supported independent musicians and creatives through branding, marketing campaigns, and niche-targeted social media strategies.

In addition to his business expertise, Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and has professional experience in behavioral health, crisis intervention, and community engagement — skills that deepen his understanding of accessibility and inclusion for disabled individuals.

As a disabled artist himself, Michael designs and sells handcrafted jewelry, writes historical and philosophical fiction, and has authored over 100 screenplays and 13 books, and he is working on a new Gothic Horror novel. This unique combination of operational management, creative entrepreneurship, and lived experience positions him to lead UAAN with both strategic insight and a deep personal commitment to breaking barriers, building creativity, and empowering disabled artists through opportunity.