Organised by Opal22 Arts and Edutainment the event takes place next week…
The All Shades of Brown Creative Conference, will be held on Thursday, 27th February at The Venue, De Montfort University, Leicester, and aims to challenge these systemic barriers and equip creatives with the resources to succeed. This one-day conference offers creatives a unique platform to connect with industry leaders, gain practical insights, and showcase their work. Attendees will have access to panel discussions, workshops, live performances, film screenings, an art exhibition, and networking opportunities.
The conference will feature a series of engaging Keynotes and Panel Discussions, hosted and moderated by writer and storyteller Tanya Akrofi.
The Rose That Grew From The Concrete: Not Just Seen But Heard, hosted by Tara Munroe, will see renowned artists, cultural leaders, and producers Pogus Caesar and Gaylene Gould share their journeys to success in a culture designed for them to fail.
Show Me the Money: Funding Your Creative Vision will provide expert guidance from Art Reach and Callum Hall from Creative Debuts on securing funding for creative projects. No Barriers Here: Inclusive Spaces, Creative Places will explore accessibility and inclusivity within the arts, as multidisciplinary artists Chris Samuels and n:u discuss the racial, queer, and disability politics that impact creative work.
Mentor Me Maybe: Lessons from Those Who’ve Been There will offer invaluable career advice from artist and cultural strategist Amahra Spence, published artist and curator Raksha Patel, and accomplished curator and producer Saziso Phiri on navigating the competitive creative industry and expanding professional networks.
Finally, Trash Talk: Redesigning Sustainable Creativity will examine sustainable creative practices with insights from climate specialists Chris Desai of UOCEAN and Julie’s Bicycle.
The event will offer a diverse range of Workshops and Breakout Sessions, including Pitching a Creative Idea with Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE, where participants will explore her creative process and performance art techniques.
How to Not Go Broke as a Creative will feature renowned industry photographer Dr. Denise Maxwell, providing insights on building a financially sustainable career. Imagine, Create, Play, led by Pasha Kincaid, will focus on working with young people and hosting kid-friendly creative workshops, accompanied by a display of her artwork.
How to Craft Your Media Pitch in Animation with Kino Bino will help aspiring animators develop strategies to sell their ideas and services. Decentralising the Arts, Culture and Entertainment, hosted by Kwesi Johnson from The Cultural Assembly, will introduce new strategies and Web3 tools for artists to thrive. Finally, De Carnival Road to Business, led by Donna Briscoe-Greene, will explore Carnival as an art form.
Running throughout the day will be a series of Live Art Performances from Create Not Destroy, as well as Black Victorians, led by Jeanefer Jean-Charles and dancer Nosiphiwo Samente, will explore the stories of key historical figures through choreography, offering a powerful experience of British history through dance, short films, and a mini exhibition of early photographs of Black and Asian individuals in Victorian Britain.
Additionally, Apittame Arts, founded by queer poetic artist Imani Wenham, will present a performance blending vulnerability, humour, and sharp social commentary, highlighting their commitment to platforming marginalised voices and fostering creative connections.
Art Showcase and Exhibition: An open exhibition filled with work from a collection of Midlands-based creatives across a variety of mediums. A selection of artists will have prints of their work available for purchase. Featured Artists include Mellow Baku, Mohammed Aaqib Anvarmia, Priya Veda Pathak, Shashamani, Savannah Irving, Shivani Khoshia, Sophie Gresswell, Vishal Joshi and Waheeda Rahman-Mai.
The event will also feature dedicated networking areas for attendees to connect with peers and industry professionals, as well as market stalls where creatives can sell their arts and crafts and promote their businesses. Additionally, Art Reach and Arts Council England will offer one-to-one advice surgeries on funding and support for creatives. Small Green Shoots will also host a pop-up stall focused on increasing career opportunities for underrepresented young adults aspiring to work in the music and creative industries.
Tara Munroe, Creative Director at Opal22 Arts and Edutainment:
“We’re so excited to kick off the conversation! Our first-ever conference will build a strong creative network in the Midlands, provide funding and career growth strategies, facilitate mentorship, promote accessibility and sustainability in the arts, and celebrate local talent through showcases and live performances.”
Attendees are invited to get involved on Thursday, 27th February 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at The Venue, De Montfort University, Leicester, for an inspiring day of creativity and connection! Tickets are just £20, with concessions available for students, seniors, and attendees with accessibility needs.
www.opal22.co.uk
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