ArtsConversation is formatted as a one-on-one or small batch conference where we aim to blur the lines between what makes our groups (Agent, Artist, Presenter) different and instead focuses on the arts, the communities, and the opportunities in Tennessee and our surrounding areas by us coming together in our vision.
It happened! And it was FANTASTIC!
What a wonderful three days we had in Maryville. We are so grateful to so many for our success. Tennessee Arts Commission, South Arts, Clayton Center for the Arts, Masskus Productions, BiCoastal Productions, Planning Stages Cumberland County Playhouse, Steve’s Live Music, and Robin Klinger Entertainment.
Below you will see a list of the great showcase artists we featured at ArtsConversation23. Visit us often for more fabulous memories.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP5534 awarded to the State of Tennessee by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Key Note Speaker: Dasha Kelly Hamilton
Dasha Kelly Hamilton is a writer, performance artist, curator, and facilitator. Ultimately, she's a creative change agent, leveraging the creative process toward human and social wellness. Her nonprofit, Still Waters Collective, initiated literary arts programming for 20 years, creating platforms for thousands of voices to be honored and heard.
Dasha has written for national, regional and local magazines; produced three collections of poetry; recorded four spoken word CDs; published two novels and one collection of personal vignettes; has work included in several anthologies; and performed in the last season of HBO's Def PoetryJam. Her stage production, Makin' Cake, is touring nationally. She holds an MFA inCreative Writing from Antioch University, an MA in Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University and a BS in Public Relations from Illinois State University. She was the 2021-22 Poet Laureate for the State of Wisconsin. In 2021, she earned a National Laureate Fellowship award with the Academy of American Poets.
Professional Development Session: Nakisha Hicks
Elevating Art Through Personal Advocacy: A Creative Journey
Defining Personal Advocacy in the Arts
We will start by gaining a better understanding of what personal advocacy entails, especially within the artistic community.
The Significance of Personal Advocacy
We will explore why personal advocacy is paramount in the arts and how it can empower artists and arts organizations.
Practical Tips for Effective Advocacy
You will leave with actionable advice and strategies to help you harness the power of personal advocacy in your creative endeavors.
2 days of Spotlights • 7+ hours of Showcasing • 15+ live Artists • Find out who is joining us!
Special thanks to our sponsors:
This project made possible by Tennessee Arts Commission and Dept. of Treasury’s Arts and Culture Recovery Grant, supported, in whole or in part, by federal award SLFRP5534 awarded to State of Tennessee by the U.S. Dept of the Treasury.
AND Funding provided, in part, by a grant from South Arts in Partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.