CultureCon is making a grand return to Brooklyn, New York, promising to be more significant than ever before. Set to take place over the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, this year’s event comes with the inspiring theme “Museum of Us.” This concept aims to emphasise the living community that is actively shaping culture today, highlighting their invaluable contributions.
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Hosted at the Duggal Greenhouse situated in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, CultureCon is designed to empower a new generation of ambitious creators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Attendees can expect a range of skill-building workshops, engaging activations, and various networking opportunities throughout this weekend-long festival.
The Creative Collective NYC, the masterminds behind CultureCon, are bringing a star-studded lineup to this year’s celebration, including prominent figures such as John Legend, Mahershala Ali, and Colin Kaepernick. Other notable attendees include Olandria Carthen, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Sherri Shepherd, among many others. This eclectic mix of talent is sure to make for an inspirational and transformative experience.
Imani Ellis, the CEO and founder, shared her vision for the festival, stating, “This year, attendees will truly feel the evolution of CultureCon.” She elaborated that her team is keenly aware of what participants experience after the event concludes. “Our community is growing, their businesses are expanding, and their ambitions are increasing; CultureCon must evolve alongside them,” she explained.
Ellis notes that while inspiration has always been a cornerstone of CultureCon, the aim this year extends far beyond that. She expressed a desire for attendees to leave with meaningful connections and renewed motivation. “Did you meet someone who changes the trajectory of your career? Did you learn something crucial for your next deal? Our goal is to ensure that when you leave, you do so feeling enriched,” she added.
The festival’s theme, “Museum of Us,” reflects a commitment to acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of those who may have previously gone unnoticed. Ellis explained, “When one thinks of a museum, it often centres around moments and people deemed important by others. Why not celebrate and document ourselves while we still can?” This sentiment serves as a rallying cry acknowledging cultural contributions from a more grassroots, community-oriented perspective.
In a notable first, CultureCon will collaborate with the Black Girl Art Show and the Black Boy Art Show to showcase emerging Black artists. Additionally, there will be a curated selection of literature at the festival, offering attendees the chance to engage with authors in meet-and-greet sessions. These facets of the event signify a broader aim to elevate and nurture the artistic landscape within the community.
With the addition of a dedicated space for a variety of amenities, including a Braindate, Career Lounge, and Small Business Vendor Market, CultureCon is stepping up its focus on professional development and mentorship. These enhancements align with existing staple events like the Founder Summit and Creator Summit, allowing creatives to access the necessary tools for sustainable career growth.
“CultureCon this year offers multiple ways to engage and experience the festival,” Ellis noted. “Everyone is continually evolving; creating a space to celebrate people in the midst of their journeys adds a unique dimension to the event.” This week promises to be a platform where attendees can connect with others who share similar aspirations and dreams.
Leading up to the main weekend, CultureCon Week will feature five days filled with exclusive dinners, screenings, and various community events hosted in collaboration with significant brand partners. Reflections from Ellis on the festival’s journey since its inception make clear that the community’s power is better understood today. “Eight years ago, we were crafting the room we wished existed, and now we can see the potential of what we can create together,” she expressed.
Imani Ellis envisions that attendees will depart with a renewed sense of ambition and possibility. “There’s something transformative about being in a space where you can visualise your dreams and meet those who inspire you to keep pushing forward,” she shared. Central to her message is the belief that everyone attending has a voice that matters, and they should feel empowered to claim their space in the world.
CultureCon is set to be an exciting and significant event for anyone wanting to engage with the cultural landscape, set against a backdrop of influential figures and communal support. The festival will run from Saturday, October 3rd to Sunday, October 4th, at the Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn, with more information and ticket details available online.