Owning Our Future: LIVESTREAM RECORDING PASS
KST Presents
YouTube | Online
Pay What Moves You: $15 – $75
KST succesfully hosted our groundbreaking Owning Our Future: A Symposium on BIPOC Institutional Ownership in May 2025. Whether you’re an arts administrator, artist, arts lover, or simply passionate about the power of the arts, you can now rewatch this 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.
Purchase a Livestream Recording Pass to access:
– All keynote talks
– All panel discussions were streamed live on YouTube, so you can watch them at your own pace.
Livestream links will be provided in your ticket confirmation email after purchase.
Photo Credit: Beth Barbis
a note from our co-executive directors on the symposium
PROGRAMS INCLUDED…
Symposium Keynote: Shyla Spicer
Shyla Spicer from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation explores the role of creative land stewardship in Indigenous self-determination and how securing space for cultural expression strengthens Native communities for generations to come.
Symposium Keynote: F. Javier Torres-Campos
Philanthropic leader F. Javier Torres-Campos’s keynote shares what contributes to involuntary displacement, highlights effective preservation strategies, and explores the importance of ownership models for cultural preservation.
Symposium Keynote: Andy Shall
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.
Symposium Panel: Transformative Operational Practices 
Panelists highlight transformative practices in BIPOC-led cultural institutions, emphasizing collaborative models that empower artists and communities to shape their narratives. By prioritizing inclusive governance and shared leadership, these organizations are redefining their operations to be more adaptive and effective.
Symposium Panel: Radical Financial Innovations
From community-focused fundraising and revenue-sharing initiatives to impact investing and cooperative ownership, this panel spotlights groundbreaking financial models currently being implemented by BIPOC arts organizations.
Symposium Panel: Envisioning the Future 
Focusing on visionary approaches to the design and use of physical spaces that promote cultural ownership and empowerment, panelists will discuss how innovative design practices, inclusive community engagement, and sustainable building are shaping the future of BIPOC-led arts spaces.