Black Creative Economy Summit Kicks Off In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Newark Symphony Hall. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Newark Symphony Hall, New Jersey's largest and oldest Black arts institution, is proud to announce that it will host the city’s first-ever Black Creative Economy Summit from June 20 to 22, as part of the state’s North to Shore Conference. The three-day event aims to foster investment opportunities for artists in technology, film, media and performing arts, while promoting the power of the Black creative economy.

The Black Creative Economy Summit, hosted in partnership with Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, Newark Arts and City of Newark Division of Arts & Cultural Affairs, will feature a diverse lineup of sessions and events designed to empower and inspire creatives at every stage of their careers. The schedule includes the following:

Day 1, June 20: Convene – The summit kicks off with the grand opening reception of the newly restored Terrace Ballroom, an exclusive event bringing artists, industry leaders and investors together to network in the venue once filled with legendary performers.

Day 2, June 21: Collaborate – Attendees will enjoy a free concert presented by The Other Side of Newark, as well as discover and engage in insightful sessions led by local and industry leaders, propelling creativity and collaboration.

• Know Your Stage – Networking breakfast.
• Lifting Voices Through the Power of Art & Storytelling – Panel moderated by Aisha Glover, vice president of urban innovation at Audible.
• Thriving in the Arts – Fireside chat led by Newark Symphony Hall.
• Developing While Black (DWB): Creative Placemaking for the Culture - Fireside chat led by Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District.
• Own the Culture – Keynote address by David Banner, Grammy Award-winning rapper, record producer and philanthropist.
• Revolutionizing Content Consumption – Featuring the founders of Polaris, the first Black-owned, free-ad supporting streaming channel.
• Straight to the Money – Fireside chat led by Newark Arts.
• Funder's Speed Dating – 1:1 sessions with regional art investors.

Day 3, June 22: Connect – A night of networking, creativity and humor to close out the Black Creative Economy Summit experience.

• Behind the Scenes & Artist Mixer – music, cocktails courtesy of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey & private tour of Newark Symphony Hall’s production ability.
• Bob Sumner Comedy Tour Show - a Newark International Film Festival feature.

“The Black Creative Economy Summit is designed to acknowledge the financial impact of artists and promote ownership while celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of Black creators in Newark, throughout New Jersey and beyond,” shares Talia L. Young, president and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall. “The event will provide a platform for artists, industry professionals and investors to come together, exchange ideas and drive positive change within creative industries.”

The Summit will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers from diverse career backgrounds, including:

• The Honorable Mayor Ras J. Baraka, City of Newark, NJ
• Andrew Binger, artistic director, Yendor Theatre Company.
• David Banner, Grammy Award-winning rapper, record producer and philanthropist
• David Byer-Tyre, scholar, professional artist and educator
• Jean Pierre Brutus, senior counsel, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
• Lyvan Munlyn, charge scenic artist, Creative Producer
• Jeffrey Page, Emmy-nominated director and choreographer
• Marjorie Perry, president and CEO, MZM Construction & Management Company, Inc.
• Sharnita C. Johnson, vice president of strategy, impact and communication, Victoria Foundation
• Shaheem Reid, author, journalist and co-founder of Polaris
• Anthony Smith, executive director, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District
• Alysia Souder, executive director of the Institute of Music for Children in Elizabeth NJ
• Sway, American journalist, radio personality and executive producer
• Lenny The Barber, film, concert and event producer
• Chris Watson, director of planning and development services, Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP
• Talia Young, president and CEO, Newark Symphony Hall

Proudly sponsored by United Airlines, Newark Arts, Audible, NJEDA, Prudential, Newark Alliance, City of Newark Division of Arts & Cultural Affairs, North to Shore and Newark Happenings, the Black Creative Economy Summit will celebrate the vibrant and diverse talent of Black creators.

To purchase tickets and for more information on the Black Creative Economy Summit, visit https://newarksymphonyhall.org/events/black-creative-economy/.

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