BAC’s Thrive Fest is the first and only day-long symposium dedicated to increasing financial, professional, and wellness best practices for the over 17,000 creatives who call Brooklyn home. Thrive Fest builds capacity, networks, and sustainable communities through four strategic objectives: Thriving, Justice, Creativity, and Wellness.

Thrive Fest 2024 is a collective cipher on abundance; we’re trading techniques and strategies for financial resilience; we’re besting old models or surviving with new riffs on equity and sustainability. With a curated selection of funders, financial advisors and coaches, business leaders, and entrepreneurs, Thrive Fest attendees learn and exchange strategies, resources, and techniques for designing more lucrative and sustainable finances. Art activations and wellness installations woven throughout the day animate Thrive Fest with creative inspiration.

During the event, BAC will also be launching the Brooklyn Innovation Portal (BIP), a new interactive platform that will:

• Connect artists to markets, audiences, patrons, collaborators, and each other.
• Monetize creative services and content.
• Invest in Brooklyn neighborhoods by investing in Brooklyn artists.

Program Details

Keynote Ignition Talk (Location: Ballroom) — Discover the power of inspiration and legacy in the art sector in this captivating Keynote Ignition Talk! Join us as we delve into the unique experiences and breakthroughs of Cey Adams, an extraordinary artist whose story will inspire and enlighten you. Gain valuable insights and practical tips for thriving in the competitive art industry.

Cey Adams, a New York City native, emerged from the downtown graffiti movement to exhibit alongside fellow artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. As the Creative Director of Def Jam Recordings, he created visual identities, album covers, logos, and campaigns for Run DMC, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Notorious B.I.G., Maroon 5, and Jay-Z. Today Adams’ work focuses on themes including Pop Culture, brand identity, and cultural and community issues. He recently collaborated with Levi’s, Converse, Pabst Blue Ribbon, YouTube, and Google.

Thrive Talks (Location: Ballroom) — Enjoy four engaging panel conversations covering a range of topics that are crucial for success in today’s ever-changing landscape. The panel topics are:

• Collective Ownership and Investment
• AI for Social practice and Economic building
• Harnessing Collective Wealth Community-Based Fundraising
• Third Spaces and Real Estate Models for Org Sustainability

One-on-One & Group Coaching Sessions (Location: Artist Studio) — Take advantage of a unique opportunity to access complimentary one-on-one financial, grant writing, and legal coaching sessions! BAC in collaboration with the Center for Art Law is thrilled to offer group sessions in the areas of:

• Copyright
• Contracts between artists of every discipline and other parties
• Taxes on artist royalties
• Real estate and landlord/tenant issues (studio and gallery spaces)
• Organization formation
• Sync Licensing
• Confidentiality Agreements
• Artist Legacy and Estate Planning O1 Visa
• Artist Insurance and Contract Negotiation

Thrive Resource Lounge (Location: N Hallway) — Join us at the Thrive Resource Lounge, where we bring together funding organizations and community organizations for a unique networking experience.

Professional Development Content Screenings (Location: Stoops) — Brooklyn Innovation portal will be premiering a series of videos produced by BAC, featuring creative entrepreneurs in fashion and interior design. The screenings feature 16 Brooklyn artists from diverse artistic practices. Each artist carefully crafted three videos professional development videos that the audience at Thrive Fest will have the opportunity to view and learn from.

Community Sound Bath & Cyphers (Location: TV Studio) — Looking for a unique and engaging experience in Brooklyn? Join us for a one-of-a-kind activation where you’ll have the opportunity to make music, improvise, and connect with the vibrant cultural heritage community. Step into our TV Studio and unleash your creativity by recording your melodies and lyrics. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting, this interactive session promises to ignite your passion for music and leave you with unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this chance to express yourself and be part of something truly special!

Thrive Brooklyn (Location: Online) — Dive into BAC’s multi-media digital resource guide for financial wellness that we’re producing with an aggregate of community partners who are serious about asset building and equity. Content includes:

• Personal Financial Literacy
• Business Development
• Digital Literacy
• New Economies
• Income & Fundraising
• Legal Basis

ThriveFest 2024 is presented with BRIC Arts Media.

Cover Image: L Morgan Lee Cabaret presented by National Queer Theater, 2023 BAC Grantee, with Musical Theatre Factory. Photo by Abigail Grubb.

Time: 1:00 — 7:00 PM EST

Free!

Registration