Photo courtesy of Carolina Sakamoto.
By Genesis Aviles
TAMPA, Fla. — A new on-campus organization, Café Club, is giving University of Tampa (UTampa) students a creative space to connect, collaborate, and develop their artistic skills, all while sharing ideas over a cup of coffee.
Founded by Carolina Sakamoto, president, and Luiza Beltrame, vice president, Café Club was created to bring together students from the film, media, and design communities, as well as beyond. The idea began when the two noticed a lack of collaboration among students in creative disciplines.
“We wanted to create a space for collaboration, for teaching and learning skills that our industries require, and share experiences on project development while having a cup of coffee to sip on,” said Sakamoto.
The club’s mission is to provide a low-pressure, creatively open environment where students can explore and improve their skills in design, storytelling, film, and animation.
“Through work sessions and workshops, we aim to propel artists and non-artists, of all levels and across all majors,” said Sakamoto. “We believe good storytelling is the core to success across multiple fields.”
Members can expect a range of activities, including open workshops where students can work on personal projects and receive feedback from peers and the executive board. The club also plans to host student-led presentations on creative software, faculty and alumni talks, and two cross-major sprints throughout the semester. The semester will conclude with a showcase where students can present their completed work.
“All events and workshops will meet students where they are, skill-wise,” said Sakamoto. “That way, we can provide the proper support they need for their class projects.”
Café Club also aims to strengthen the sense of community among students in the arts and beyond.
“We aim to engage creative collaboration and the development of an educational support system for artists across all majors,” said Sakamoto.
Zoe McCoy, the club’s student government representative, said she joined Café Club because she wanted to advocate for a group that provides meaningful support for students.
“I was inspired to join Café Club because I’ve always wanted an outlet dedicated to students who may be struggling with assignments or software,” said McCoy. “I felt especially connected to the student gov. rep. position because I knew I enjoyed advocating for organizations and causes that I believe in, and I knew this club was worth advocating for.”
As a senior in new media, McCoy said the club’s mission resonates deeply with her own experience.
“I personally enjoy Café Club’s mission to help all students from all majors to improve their art,” she said. “Café Club is definitely an organization that I would have loved to be around when I began my journey as a new media major, and I am now glad that students will have this outlet to ask for help from their peers.”
McCoy said she believes Café Club will play an essential role in bringing students together across disciplines.
“I see Café Club as a positive contribution to student life at UT because it will encourage collaboration between students that may have not met prior, which is necessary and helpful to students in any creative major or minor,” she said.
She added that Café Club aims to foster an encouraging, judgment-free environment.
“I want Café Club to be a welcoming and helpful environment where students feel safe to share their work and ideas,” said McCoy. “Café Club is a completely judgment-free zone where it is okay to struggle. We are here to meet you where you are and are more than happy to collaborate with you on your projects, no matter how daunting they seem.”
Diego Diaz, the club’s treasurer, said he joined Café Club to help create a positive and supportive environment for students.
“What inspired me to join Café Club was to help students, art majors or not, to find help within their creative projects and to spread positivity within the space,” said Diaz.
Diaz said he especially enjoys the workshops that the club hosts.
“I tell everyone I know and the club members to show up to these events since it can help them improve on their skills in that software or app we are working on in that workshop,” he said.
According to Diaz, Café Club is open to all students, regardless of their major or level of experience.
“We are here to help anyone with any work or questions you may have,” he said. “Come to any of the future meetings we will have, drink some coffee, and let’s work and get you where you want to be.”
For more information and upcoming events, follow Café Club on Instagram at @cafe_utampa.