Programs
OWNING OUR FUTURE: A SYMPOSIUM
ON BIPOC INSTITUTIONAL OWNERSHIP
PRESENTED BY KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER
In May 2025, Kelly Strayhorn Theater brought together visionary leaders, artists, activists, urban planners, funders, and community members for Owning Our Future: A Symposium on BIPOC Institutional Ownership. Over four transformative days, we examined what it means to secure, sustain, and thrive in cultural spaces led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities, and why this work is urgent now.
With these meaningful conversations, we’re sharing their impact with you so the light can travel further.
a note from our co-executive directors
LIVE STREAM RECORDING PASS
YouTube | Online
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $75
You can still experience the full symposium on your own schedule! This pass includes access to all keynote talks and all panel discussions streamed live on YouTube.
Livestream links will be provided in your ticket confirmation email after purchase. For questions, please email info@kelly-strayhorn.org.
PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Writing and Press Coverage
WESA – Pittsburgh event ‘Owning Our Future’ explores roles of BIPOC-led cultural groups
American Theatre Magazine – Who Owns Culture? Questions and Answers From a Kelly Strayhorn Symposium
Public Source – My dive into East Liberty’s past revealed ‘third spaces’ lost to time and development
CBS News – Intersections-05-04
OnStage Pittsburgh – Symposium Will Offer a Glimpse Into the Future for Kelly-Strayhorn Theater
Public Source – Kelly Strayhorn Theater reimagines the future of BIPOC cultural spaces
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
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
