Symposium
Thursday, May 15
Symposium Keynote: Lisa Yancey
Drawing from her expertise in organizational and cultural strategy and justice-based systems change, Lisa Yancey will examine cultural strategy as a tool for a thriving Pittsburgh.
Thursday, May 15
Symposium Film Screening: East of Liberty
Experience East of Liberty, a powerful documentary archiving the transformation of a Pittsburgh neighborhood. Following the screening, there is a discussion with filmmaker Chris Ivey.
Thursday, May 15 - Sunday, May 18
Symposium: Looking Glass App by Adrian Jones
What if a camera could unearth the history buried within a gentrified neighborhood? From that image grew Looking Glass, an app-based archive of Black life in Pittsburgh, equipped with an augmented reality lens.
Friday & Saturday, May 16 - 17
Symposium: Mainstage Performances
This two-night showcase presents excerpted works of dance and theater that speak to artistic development in Pittsburgh with an eye towards the national and international stage.
Saturday, May 17
Symposium Panel: Transformative Operational Practices
Panelists explore transformative operational practices in BIPOC-led cultural institutions that cultivate ownership of culture, community, ideas, and organizations.
Saturday, May 17
Symposium Panel: Radical Financial Innovations
Panelists explore transformative operational practices in BIPOC-led cultural institutions that cultivate ownership of culture, community, ideas, and organizations.
Saturday, May 17
Symposium: Neighborhood Tour
Explore East Liberty’s history and transformation with storyteller Terri Baltimore, whose tours inspire reflection on resilience, equity, and community through powerful narratives and engaging storytelling.
Sunday, May 18
Symposium Keynote: Andy Shallal
Drawing from his experience founding Busboys and Poets, Andy Shallal explores the power of ownership in cultural spaces. He’ll discuss how intentional spaces can fuel activism, equity, and resilience, shaping a future where Black and Brown-led arts institutions thrive.
Sunday, May 18
Symposium Panel: Envisioning the Future
Panelists explore how innovative design practices, inclusive community engagement, and sustainable building strategies are shaping the future of BIPOC-led arts spaces.