Programs
OWNING OUR FUTURE: A SYMPOSIUM
ON BIPOC INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP
PRESENTED BY KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER
KST is leading a groundbreaking national symposium that aims to reshape the future of accessible, equitable cultural spaces owned and anchored by BIPOC communities.
Whether you’re an arts administrator, artist, arts lover, or simply passionate about the power of the arts, join Kelly Strayhorn Theater for an inspiring national symposium in Pittsburgh, PA that reimagines the future of cultural spaces—accessible, equitable, and rooted in the strength of BIPOC communities. Anchored by our bold vision, “Owning Our Future. Thriving Where We Live,” this transformative four-day event sparks critical conversations, unites changemakers, and sets an actionable course toward a future cultural landscape.
Designed in collaboration with an advisory committee of national and local colleagues, this dynamic, cross-industry program brings together visionary leaders in art, activism, urban planning, philanthropy, and government for powerful discussions, inspiring performances, and vibrant celebrations. Together, we’re reimagining bold new financial, operational, and physical models to empower and sustain BIPOC-owned arts spaces.
Thursday – Sunday, May 15 – 18, 2025
Pay What Moves You:
Single Tickets $15 – $40
Symposium Pass $150 – $300
All tickets are General Admission and can be purchased online in advance or at the door. The Symposium Pass grants access to all events, except for the Neighborhood Tour with Terri Baltimore.
SCHEDULE
All Weekend
All Day & Night Looking Glass App by Adrian Jones
During Event Hours Njaimeh Njie, Lifting Liberty
Thursday, May 15, 2025
11:00am – 1:30pm Keynote: Lisa Yancey
7:30pm – 10:30pm Film: East of Liberty by Chris Ivey
Friday, May 16, 2025
5:00pm – 6:00pm Cocktail Hour
6:00pm – 6:45pm Keynote: Shyla Spicer
7:30pm – 9:00pm Front & Center
9:00pm – 11:00pm KST Lounge with Live Music
Saturday, May 17, 2025
9:00am – 10:00am Breakfast
10:00am – 10:45am. Keynote: F. Javier Torres-Campos
11:30am – 1:30pm Panel: Transformative Operational Practices
1:45pm – 2:45pm Neighborhood Tour with Terri Baltimore
3:00pm – 5:00pm Panel: Radical Financial Innovation
7:30pm – 9:00pm Front & Center
9:00pm – 11:00pm KST Lounge with Live Music
Sunday, May 18, 2025
9:00am – 10:00am Breakfast
10:00am – 12:00pm Panel: Envisioning the Future
1:00pm – 1:45pm Keynote: Andy Shallal
PROGRAM
ARTS PROGRAM: Adrian Jones, Looking Glass 
Thursday, May 15, 2025 – Sunday May 18, 2025
All Weekend
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
FREE
ARTS PROGRAM: Njaimeh Njie, Lifting Liberty
Thursday, May 15, 2025 – Sunday May 18, 2025
During Event Hours
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $0 – $25
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Lisa Yancey
Thursday, May 15, 2025
11:00am – 1:30pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
ARTS PROGRAM: Chris Ivey, East of Liberty
Thursday, May 15, 2025
7:30pm – 9:10pm Film Screening
9:20 – 10:00pm Discussion
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Shyla Spicer
Friday, May 16, 2025
6:00pm – 6:45pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
ARTS PROGRAM: Front & Center
Friday, May 16, 2025
7:30pm – 9:00pm Mainstage Performances
9:00pm – 11:00pm Lobby Bar & Lounge Performances
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
Symposium Keynote: F. Javier Torres-Campos
Saturday, May 17, 2025
10:00am – 10:45am
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
PANEL DISCUSSION: Transformative Operational Practices
Saturday, May 17, 2025
11:30am – 1:30pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
ARTS PROGRAM: Terri Baltimore, Neighborhood Tour
Saturday, May 17, 2025
1:45pm – 2:45pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
PANEL DISCUSSION: Radical Financial Innovations
Saturday, May 17, 2025
3:00pm – 5:00pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
ARTS PROGRAM: Front & Center
Saturday, May 17, 2025
7:30pm – 9:00pm Mainstage Performances
9:00pm – 11:00pm Lobby Bar & Lounge Performances
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
PANEL DISCUSSION: Envisioning the Future
Sunday, May 18, 2025
10:00am – 12:00pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
Symposium Keynote: Andy Shallal
Sunday, May 18, 2025
1:00pm – 1:45pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater | 5941 Penn Ave.
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $30
LET’S CONNECT
LOCATION
All Owning Our Future events are held at Kelly Strayhorn Theater, with the exception of the Neighborhood Tour with Terri Baltimore, which begins there.
ACCESSIBILITY
KST is an ADA-accessible venue equipped with assisted listening devices and accessible seating options. ASL interpretation will be provided for all Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussions. For accommodations, contact info@kelly-strayhorn.org.
KST LOUNGE
During events, the KST Lobby transforms into a vibrant neighborhood lounge, featuring live music and a full bar with wine and beer. Enjoy food truck offerings just outside, and relax in the welcoming atmosphere. The KST Lounge is free to enter—stay and unwind until closing at 11:00pm.
STREAMING
Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussions will be available via streaming. Details will announce soon!
ACCOMMODATIONS
KST has arranged a special rate with Hotel Indigo East Liberty for any out of town Symposium attendees. Discount is available Thursday, May 15 – Sunday, May 18, 2025. Must use the dedicated booking link.
CURATORIAL TEAM
Owning Our Future has been curated by Joseph Hall, Sarah Gilmer, and Ben Pryor, in collaboration with an advisory council including Caitlin Strokosch, F. Javier Torres, and Meena Natarajan.
THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS AND SPONSORS
To sponsor the Owning Our Future Symposium, contact Development & Communications Director Liz Rudnick at Lizrudnick@kelly-strayhnorn.org or call at 412.363.3000 x 321.
