By Ariyana Griffin. Particular to the AFRO
A whole lot gathered on the Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, N.Y. the weekend of Oct.7-8 to attend the sixth annual CultureCon.
In 2017, Imani Ellis modified the panorama of social media when she created CultureCon, a convention for Black creators to unite, collaborate and broaden their platform. Over the course of six years, the occasion has grown exponentially, including pop up experiences in Atlanta and Los Angeles.
This 12 months marked the primary time the conference was prolonged to 2 days.
“I used to be impressed as a result of I didn’t see a spot the place Black and Brown creatives might authentically be ourselves. I believed that was so unusual; I believed absolutely it needed to exist. I can’t complain about one thing and never do one thing about it, so I by no means might have dreamt that Culturecon can be this massive,” Ellis instructed the AFRO. “It simply goes to indicate that we’d like one another, we’d like group, and we’d like areas like this.”
Enterprise homeowners, trend fanatics and extra have been able to community, construct group, attend activations and listen to from business vets about their experiences of their inventive fields together with performers. Numerous levels hosted main names and individuals who influenced the tradition, corresponding to Issa Rae, Teyana Taylor, Marsai Martin, Lola Brook, Tinashe and so many extra, for attendees to gather gems.
“I like connecting with different Black creatives, networking and listening to the panelists. They actually dropped some gems and jewels. As a inventive myself, I’m additionally wanting to be taught and develop,” stated Amira Shaunice.
The presenting accomplice was Max, previously often called HBO Max. Different main sponsors and companions this 12 months included Shea Moisture, Walmart, Ciroc, American Categorical, Adidas, Tubi and Google. These corporations hosted networking occasions and had on-site recruiters for individuals to talk to and study profession alternatives that that they had accessible.
Amazon Prime had an interactive sales space the place individuals have been in a position to take heed to soundtracks from numerous motion pictures and reveals and even had a scavenger hunt if somebody might discover 5 easter eggs across the house from a present. There have been a number of complimentary picture cubicles with skilled photographers providing free headshots or photographs.
“All of the actions and networking actually impressed me to get out of my shell and share my work with extra individuals. I’m usually quiet however this house felt secure, particularly figuring out everybody right here is a few sort of inventive and all of us have a typical objective,” stated Miracle Jones.
Adidas had an area for individuals to get up their inventive juices and design a pair of sneakers utilizing numerous supplies corresponding to rhinestones, paint, coloration pencils, markers and extra. The perfect designs have been chosen, and the winners might design a bodily pair of sneakers on-site.
“I actually wished to get influenced by different creatives, particularly individuals of coloration, and it has been nothing however inspirational to see how individuals created their very own private model on-line. It actually motivated me into wanting to start out making my very own private model,” stated Maryland native Adora Lee.
Whereas that is the final CultureCon of the 12 months, you’ll be able to sustain with upcoming occasions on Instagram by way of the account @culturecon in preparation for subsequent 12 months.
Ariyana Griffin is an AFRO intern from Morgan State College.
