Southern is proud to host CreativeU, a university-inspired professional development conference for aspiring artists, creatives and entrepreneurs offered at no cost to Southern students and the community. The two-day event, which kicks off Friday, Oct. 11, is spearheaded by Sweets & Sounds Entertainment in collaboration with the Connecticut Office of the Arts and the City of New Haven.
“Southern is excited to bring the creative community together on our campus, and New Haven offers the perfect cultural environment,” said Craig Hlvac, associate dean of Southern’s College of Arts & Sciences.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to have students, in particular those in our Arts & Cultural Advocacy program, engage with professionals at all levels and get hands-on experience organizing and running major events.”
Creative U will immerse attendees in the experience of becoming “students” of the creative industries, encouraging them to choose a “major” that aligns with their passions and goals. Each major will offer a series of specialized workshops led by industry professionals, including:
- Entrepreneurship, providing guidance on ways to pivot creative ideas into sustainable businesses
- Creative Workforce, dedicated to helping individuals in the arts and entertainment industries advance their careers.
- Creative Leadership, empowering individuals aspiring to lead within the creative industries.
The day will also feature keynote speaker Joe Perez, best known for his collaborations with Kanye West, Beyoncé and Louis Vuitton.
“Creative U is incredibly close to my heart,” said Angel Dahfay, former Southern student and founder of Sweets and Sounds. “It’s more than a conference; it’s a vibrant gathering where we celebrate the endless potential within our creative community.”
Southern is home to artists in residence such as Elm Shakespeare, New Haven Symphony, and Long Wharf Theater, making it an ideal place for creatives to gather, says Joel Dodson, associate professor of English and coordinator of the arts and cultural advocacy program.
“CreativeU serves as both a learning platform and a community event, welcoming everyone—students, professionals, and community members—to engage with the arts, which aligns well with Southern’s work to be a leader in this area,” he said.
Visit www.creativeu.us for more information or to register.
