Inspiring Women: María José González Co-Founder of DRDA Art
Inclusive Futures Through Art | Innovating Connections, Celebrating Diversity
WHAT WERE THE SEEDS FROM WHERE DRDA ART GREW?
María José Gonzalez with co-founder of DRDA ART, Toni Rubio
I am a creative soul with a love for art. I am Mexican and have lived in Barcelona since 2001. Among my sisters, the youngest has a mental disability, which taught me many lessons as I adapted to a new country that I now consider home (as much as Mexico). Back then, there wasn't much awareness about these issues or the inclusion of people with disabilities (especially mental disabilities). This experience taught me what it feels like to be different and to find ways to fit in. I've always been very positive, and I believe this helped me develop empathy and adaptability.
I became an expert not only in integrating myself but also in integrating others, being a good communicator, and making people feel comfortable at work and in my personal life. This was especially useful in my initial career as a Communicator and Publicist, which was the first of many interests I pursued later. My dream had always been to have my own creative or advertising agency, so I co-founded the boutique creative agency DR Digital Agency with Toni Rubio, my partner, and boyfriend, 10 years ago. We transformed his design studio into a boutique creative agency that specializes in using creativity to help brands connect with people's hearts through design, events, and 360º creative campaigns. Organizing experiences for international groups, influencers, and creative activations came naturally to me. I enjoy thinking about how others can have a good time and feel included, paying close attention to all the details almost effortlessly. I believe all this became very natural for me thanks to the "adaptive and empathetic muscle" I developed throughout my life.
Art was always there, but more as an interest and part of my creative recharge. I never thought my role in the art world could exist if I wasn't an artist. However, Toni, my partner, had always painted, and it was a natural hobby for him since he has always been very creative and excels in many disciplines. Through his creations, he expressed his values, interests, and convictions. Without a doubt, the seeds were there. I can say that I have been shaping my passions, maybe as a way to feel that I was doing something with them. I have done many master's degrees and diplomas, including a master's in personal and corporate image consulting (fashion has always fascinated me), a master's in digital marketing, and recently in metaverse and marketing in new realities, and of course in curating and organizing art exhibitions, among many others. But all of this was for pure enjoyment, although it undoubtedly planted seeds for DRDA ART.
Having achieved success and fulfillment with DR Digital Agency by creating campaigns, events, designs, and experiences for major creative and innovative brands like Adobe, Amazon, Filmax, and many more, I felt a persistent creative urge, a sense that something was missing. Gradually, I discovered the path to bring the DRDA ART platform to life.
“My story is quite unique... DRDA ART, which was the reason we started this beautiful connection, is my life’s project. We officially launched it to the public four years ago, and I’ve poured all my expertise and passion into it to contribute to the values I believe in.”
How was DRDA ART born?
So, we decided to channel our talents into a life project that promotes inclusion, tolerance, and respect in this diverse world that needs more inclusion. Thus, DRDA ART was born as an art platform to promote diversity, inclusion, tolerance, and respect through art and exhibitions, offering works for sale in our online art gallery. Over time, we brought to life the first virtual museum dedicated to diversity.
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF DRDA ART?
When we created DRDA ART, I didn’t just want to say that art is powerful; I wanted to study it and build something that communicated our mission with a solid foundation. For a year, I delved into the basics of diversity in psychology, neuroscience, and various other fields, learning a lot about human nature. In essence, I realized that the diversity we see externally and how we accept it is a reflection of how we accept ourselves internally. This understanding helped me establish the philosophy and principles of DRDA ART.
I developed the six dimensions of DRDA ART, representing our vision of diversity and the six areas of every individual’s life: how you love (yourself and others), your beliefs and convictions, your sense of belonging, your way of enjoying life, your talents, and your approach to life. When you embrace each dimension authentically, you embrace your uniqueness and the diversity around you. We invite people to embrace their uniqueness (their authenticity) in every dimension of their lives through art, and in doing so, connect with their most authentic selves (#comeasyouART).
HOW IS DRDA INNOVATING AND USING YOUR EXPERTISE TO BRING ART TO EVERYONE?
We continue to lead DR Digital Agency, which keeps us closely collaborating with the most cutting-edge brands. This gives us an advantage in staying close to innovation and understanding its evolution, so we also strive to bring all these benefits to art. In 2023, we opened the doors to the first virtual museum dedicated to diversity, the DRDA ART Meta Museum that has been recognized by more to a hundred media outlets, including TV, highlighting our efforts to forge new ways for appreciating, discovering, and connecting with art receiving artists and visitors from all over the world. Here, we organize transformative exhibitions with artists from around the world that invite reflection on these topics. These globally accessible exhibitions allow people to enjoy art that connects them with themselves and diversity. Accessible 24/7 all year long.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STAGE FOR YOU?
Today, we are very excited about a new stage where we can bring art to the public in new ways. We are collaborating with artists committed to inclusion, tolerance, and respect to offer open edition pieces in our online gallery at affordable prices. This allows everyone to access art. These pieces will enable new collectors to discover these artists or start their journey in the art world with works by artists who have an important message. It will also be an excellent way for younger generations to discover art that can make the world a better place for everyone.
“Being different should not be a reason for exclusion, and that idea had been nestled in my mind for a long time. It was time to use our experience and talents to create a response that raised awareness about this basic reality: WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT. It’s about respecting and being tolerant to open doors to a better world. Inclusion begins by accepting ourselves, with everything that makes us different.”
Let’s Talk About Art
How does art play a role in your personal life?
Art is connection, authenticity, and inspiration. Art allows me to connect with myself and discover new worlds. It takes me to new emotional realms, inspires me, and brings a sense of authenticity and genuine connection into my life.
What draws you to the work of Elisa Valenti?
We are thrilled to have Elisa Valenti with us in this new stage. Personally, I admire her greatly—an empowered woman, incredibly talented, who empowers others through her art, myself included. The elegance and strength of her work make owning a piece by Elisa essential for everyone. I am proud to make it possible for more people to discover and acquire her work, whether to start their collection or to begin their journey into the art world.
What do you look for when choosing art for your personal collection?
“When I choose a piece for my personal collection, it’s usually the piece that finds me, not the other way around. The connection with a work of art is an intimate and unique dialogue. It’s that moment when the piece seems to “find you,” when you feel that there’s something in it that speaks to you directly.”
María José González
Co-founder of DRDA ART and DR Digital Agency, María José serves as CEO of both companies, as well as Curator of DRDA ART and Creative Director of the boutique creative agency DR Digital Agency.
María José is a creative soul with a deep passion for art, innovation, and communication. Born in Mexico and based in Barcelona since 2001, she is a multifaceted professional who channels her talent and creativity through her two companies, always aiming to connect with and inspire a more inclusive and tolerant world.
At DRDA ART, she combines her passion for art, expertise, and creativity to democratize access to art, promote inclusion and respect, and innovate by introducing new ways to discover, appreciate, and experience art. Through exhibitions, an online gallery, and the world’s first virtual museum dedicated to diversity, DRDA ART has become an international benchmark for art that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion in a truly authentic way.