This year’s FUTUREMAKERS Symposium builds off of the momentum established at our 2016 inaugural event. Last year’s conference challenged a diverse array of multidisciplinary participants to exchange innovative ways to engage neighbors in creating more culturally vibrant neighborhoods.  FUTUREMAKERS 2017 is all about action and execution: our interactive sessions give participants a platform to share solutions that propel people forward.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER UMBERTO CRENCA will discuss how arts, culture, and creativity is not only a catalyst for “placemaking” but more importantly, a catalyst for “neighbor-making.”  Mr. Crenca brings 30+ years of experience as the Founder of AS220, an artist-run organization based in Providence, RI.  Mr. Crenca will discuss the importance of  shifting focus from “place” to “people” when transforming a community.  KST executive director janera solomon will join Mr. Crenca for a conversation following the presentation:  the two will discuss the similarities between Providence and PIttsburgh’s cultural footprint, as well as strategies that use creativity to reflect the humanity of healthy, vibrant cities.

FUTUREMAKERS is a space for creative entrepreneurs that encourages cross sector collaboration as a tool towards developing equitable communities.  FUTUREMAKERS gives individuals the opportunity to share creative ideas and processes, and explore other perspectives surrounding community-driven innovation.

Like all KST events this season, registration is Pay What Makes You Happy!

Register for the full day-long conference, or select individual events at the links below:

FUTUREMAKERS Registration Details
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 12pm – 5pm
Registers you for all session.

 

FUTUREMAKERS MIXTAPE

Wednesday May 24, 2017 :: 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Ace Hotel Pittsburgh

The FUTUREMAKERS Mixtape is dedicated to connecting projects to new audiences, highlighting unique products, and the positive growth of creative entrepreneurs.  This session of FUTUREMAKERS Mixtape will focus on uplifting the voice of projects that have a chance to gain support through  KST’s FUTUREMAKERS Labs, a creative incubator program.  KST will will highlight game-changers across industries and disciplines and present a platform that follows the popular PechaKucha model. Giving creatives a simple presentation format where each person will show 20 images, each for 20 seconds.  Get prepared for an interesting mix of performances, untold stories being shared, and excitement as people share their practices and processes.

 

The Role of Arts in Equitable Development
Wednesday May 24 2016 :: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater

How does the arts and culture sector interact with the systems that are quickly changing the face of urban centers across the country?  How do artists, developers, business, and policymakers lead responsible growth together in a neighborhood?

Our panelist will discuss the importance of investing in artistic, cultural, and entrepreneurial expressions of existing neighborhood residents and institutions that are subject to displacement.  It is important for working class community members to access wealth building opportunities as the housing markets, main streets, and business districts around them experience re-investment.  By investigating how community members can become involved in efforts such as  land banks, cooperative economics,  affordable housing, and cultural space-keeping, our panel will describe how arts and culture practices can have a positive impact on the changing urban landscape.  Giving hopeful solutions on how  artists, developers, business, and policymakers lead responsible growth together in a neighborhood?

 

Imagining A New Future
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 :: 3:45pm – 5:00pm
Kelly Strayhorn Theater

KEYNOTE SPEAKER UMBERTO CRENCA will discuss how arts, culture, and creativity is not only a catalyst for “placemaking” but more importantly, a catalyst for “neighbor-making.”  Mr. Crenca brings 30+ years of experience as the Founder of AS220, an artist-run organization based in Providence, RI.  Mr. Crenca will discuss the importance of  shifting focus from “place” to “people” when transforming a community.  KST executive director janera solomon will join Mr. Crenca for a conversation following the presentation:  the two will discuss the similarities between Providence and PIttsburgh’s cultural footprint, as well as strategies that use creativity to reflect the humanity of healthy, vibrant cities.