Create Virginia, Arts & Business Conference, now registering for Hybrid Sessions

Sponsored by SBDC-Lynchburg Region, LYH, and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
Image from Create Virginia website of young audience members with microphone engaging speakers

Attention: Artists, Makers, Designers, Performers, and Musicians!

SBDC-Lynchburg Region, LYH, and Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance are sponsoring Create Virginia, an arts and business conference that gives artists and makers opportunities to learn from one another and from state and national experts about how to build and grow sustainable arts-based ventures.  Create Virginia will host of series of Hybrid Sessions in late August and early September. These sessions will allow for small in-person groups as well as accessible online streaming and viewing

Register online for any or all of the hybrid sessions.

Session Topics include:

Topic: Podcasting in Deep Waters

August 24th @ 12pm

Location: Moore & Giles

With the ubiquity of mobile devices and shifting content consumption, podcast continue to present a huge opportunity for content creators. Join us as we discuss what it takes to get started and stay relevant.

Keynote Topic: Building Systems for The Creative

August 24th @ 6PM

Presented by: Kishau Rogers

Location: Riverviews Artspace

Being a skilled artist is only half the battle. Great creatives should also be great problem solvers. They often spend more time understanding the problem than they do brainstorming solutions. Join our Keynote Speaker Kishau Rogers as she explores patterns, trends, and systems that will help make you a stronger creative problem solver.

Topic: How to Harness the Power Tik Tok

August 26th @ 6PM

Location: Fifth Street Grind

Presenters: Jason Rony & Rox Cruz

In just 15 seconds you can go from Zero to Hero with Tik Tok. But building an audience and perfecting your content can be a challenging task. We’re sitting down with two content creators that know how to move the needle on this platform to find out more.

Topic: Charting your Path with Skill

August 31st @ 6pm

Presenters: Eli Harris & Mike McKendree

Location: Blackwater Branding

Building your brand has often been a challenge for even the most seasoned creative. For over a decade Eli Harris and Mike McKendree have mastered being heard inside of an ever changing marketplace. Join us as they share a wellspring of info on what it takes to navigate the road of success. This is a great conversation for any performer (musician, actors, and dancers) or anyone struggling to find the right gig.

Topic: Beating the Creative Burnout

September 2nd @ 6PM

Presenters: Chelsea Piechowski & Angelina Dawn

From procrastination to imposter syndrome, every artist eventually hits a wall. Trying to bounce back can often leave us with missed opportunities and forgotten deadlines. Join us as Chelsea Piechowski and others from the Johnson Health Center family give us some great ways to beat the burnout bully.

Topic: Engaging Organizations as an Artist

September 7th @ 6PM

Location: The Madison House

Presenter: Tabitha Abbott

Day-to-day operations for performances, connecting with touring talent, negotiating venues, the list can go on. As an artist there are things you can do to make yourself much more appealing to community organizations. Which will get you much bigger gigs and opportunities! Join Tabitha as she brings plenty of insight into what local arts organizations look for when collaborating with artists, presenters, and performers.

Topic: Music, Web3 and the NFT

September 10

Location: Blackwater Branding

In recent years, the music industry has undergone some massive changes. Streaming services like Spotify, Bandcamp, and Apple Music has allowed people to access unlimited music for little or no fees. Consequently, this has changed the way musicians make money. Join Phinees Robert as he shares his firsthand knowledge of blockchain technology and how to monetize selling your digital assets.