Arabia Parkey, Multimedia Artist

Arabia Parkey is a 2025 graduate of the University of Iowa, with degrees in Journalism and Studio Art. A multimedia artist and aspiring creative director originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Arabia’s practice serves to highlight Black experiences and accentuate the beauty of Black features. Through each piece of art and project, Arabia depicts an intense image influenced by both her upbringing and current world events affecting the Black community. Arabia also uses her role as an event organizer to create space for Black artists to thrive. Over the past four years, she has co-organized over thirteen arts and community-based events throughout Des Moines, Ames, and Iowa City. Arabia is a storyteller at heart, compelled to share and uplift Black experiences through her art, journalism, and activism.