HARLEMCLX is
a community-focused, digital platform that develops opportunities for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to utilize their talents and generate revenue via various non-traditional platforms. We focus on community + collaborations between artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, lifestyle + technology brands. We curate, produce, facilitate, and design innovative immersive experiences and digital content.
Mission
To empower artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs to utilize their talents and generate revenue via various non-traditional platforms.
Vision
To be a leading force in the development of opportunities for artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs in Harlem and beyond.
The Company & Founders
Emerging from the heart of Harlem's vibrant cultural landscape, HarlemCLX is the brainchild of two visionary founders: Richard E. Pelzer II, the founder of Harlem2020, and Troy Monaco, the founder of Toronto CLX. Pelzer, inspired by the untapped potential he witnessed within Harlem's artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs, sought to create a platform that would empower these individuals. Monaco, with his experience in building a successful community platform in Toronto, brought his expertise in fostering creative expression and economic empowerment through non-traditional platforms. Their shared passion for community and collaboration led them to join forces in 2021, during the pandemic, to form HarlemCLX. Now led by Pelzer, HarlemCLX stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation that define Harlem's spirit. It is a physical, digital, and 'phygital' immersive experience platform that celebrates and amplifies the diverse talents flourishing within Harlem's borders. With a deep-rooted commitment to their community and an unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, HarlemCLX is on a mission to foster a new era of creative expression and economic empowerment, not only in Harlem but everywhere, as "Harlem Is EVERYWHERE."
Richard E. Pelzer II
Visionary Leader in Arts & Culture
Uncle Richard - An Architect of Culture
Richard E. Pelzer II is a pioneering figure in the Arts, Culture & Design business, with a career spanning three decades of influential work in event production, community engagement, and audience development. He is the Founder & Executive Producer of HarlemCLX, Interim General Manager of the Harlem Fine Arts Show, and an Advisory Board Member for NYCxDesign Festival, representing Harlem.
Pelzer's professional journey began with the establishment of MEGA Personalities in 1994, a business development & talent management firm rooted in Harlem, New York. With a strong foundation in Art History and Business Management from Kent State University, Pelzer has adeptly navigated the intersections of fashion, beauty, and entertainment, serving a prestigious client roster that includes the NYSE Diversity Council, Sephora, Essence Magazine, The Apollo Theater, Walker International Communications Group (WICG), SlayTV, and NYCxDesign Festival.
His leadership extends beyond traditional business roles, with a deep-seated commitment to community empowerment. He co-founded HarlemCLX, originally Harlem2020, with a vision to foster unity and shared purpose in the Harlem community. This motto, "Community is our SuperPOWER," reflects his ongoing dedication to building strong, creative partnerships that transcend economic challenges and bring lasting value.
In February 2020, Pelzer expanded his influence into the film industry as the Co-Partner of iN-Hale Entertainment LLC. His role as Project Manager for the Harlem Fine Arts Show, which he assumed in September 2022, highlights his commitment to the arts. Under his stewardship, the Harlem Fine Arts Show celebrated its 15th anniversary with a successful relocation to the iconic Glasshouse venue in Manhattan, positioning the event at the forefront of cultural discourse in New York City.
Looking ahead, Pelzer envisions a future where the Harlem Fine Arts Show becomes a cornerstone of the global Arts, Culture & Design business, particularly as the influence and buying power of the Black American community continue to rise. With Black population growth and spending power expected to reach significant milestones by 2024, Pelzer is strategically positioning the Harlem Fine Arts Show to capture this momentum, ensuring that Black Art is not only showcased but also integrated into daily life and celebrated worldwide.
Pelzer's vision is to create a cultural renaissance, where Black Art & Design are both preserved and elevated. By curating spaces that highlight artistic talent and educating consumers on the value of art, culture and design, he aims to make the Harlem Fine Arts Show and NYCxDesign Festival (Harlem Design District) a catalyst for cultural appreciation and legacy-building. His leadership is a testament to the transformative power of art, and his work promises to leave an enduring impact on the cultural landscape.
Through his visionary leadership, Richard E. Pelzer II continues to champion the belief that art has the power to heal, unify, and inspire. As he looks to the future, his focus remains on empowering communities and ensuring that the beauty and heritage of Black Art, Culture, Design & Technology are cherished for generations to come.