Today the Arts and Education Council announced the first two 2021 Catalyst Conversations, a free program for St. Louisans interested in experiencing the arts through a different lens while connecting with others. Catalyst Conversations is a series of virtual casual discussions – some playful, some serious, but all engaging and thought-provoking. Each conversation features people who are using their talents and unique experiences to inspire, connect and shape new perspectives.

“With this new year of Catalyst Conversations, we are offering artists, arts patrons and anyone curious about arts and culture the opportunity to gather and discuss the arts in a new and exciting way. After a year with so much separation, we’re excited to see the connections that develop through this program,” said Cynthia P. Davis, Arts and Education Council director of grants and programs.

The first two conversations will take place virtually in March and June:

  • March 23 at 12:00 p.m. – Arts and Equity with community organizer and art curator Kristian Blackmon will discuss the role the arts have in creating a more equitable society and how all of us can make a meaningful impact. The Arts and Education Council’s equity framework will also be shared. This Catalyst Conversation will be hosted by Arts and Education Council Director of Grants and Programs Cynthia P. Davis and Grants and Programs Coordinator Jessireé Jenkins.
  • June 15 at 6:30 p.m. – The Business of Art with Soul Shed University Founder JerMarco Britton will highlight his experience of making a living and creating business in the arts. This Catalyst Conversation will be hosted by Arts and Education Council Grants and Programs Coordinator Jessireé Jenkins. Following the conversation, join a virtual Soul Shed University Jam Session!

Kristian Blackmon is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and her passion lies in the fight for black liberation, injustice and oppression that negatively impacts ALL people. She is a community organizer, art curator, activist, facilitator, trainer and has done work in both radio and event hosting. She has worked as a teaching artist with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and Cherokee Street Development Group. She has curated work with at least 30 established and emerging artists and has done leadership development training with up to 300 participants both locally and nationally. Kristian’s work has included organizing around economic justice, racial justice, youth justice, housing justice and LGBTQI+ rights.

JerMarco Britton is a musician, writer and advocate of the arts. With over 10 years of experience as a performer and music curator, he has had the opportunity to perform across the country and open locally for artists such as Chance the Rapper, Ab-Soul, Teresa Jenee, Terence Blanchard and more. He has also been featured artist for the live music organization Sofar Sounds as both a musician and spoken word artist. He has worked as an event coordinator curating art events in partnership with Stereo Assault, Lyrical Therapy and Blue Light Underground.

JerMarco Britton is a musician, writer and advocate of the arts. With over 10 years of experience as a performer and music curator, he has had the opportunity to perform across the country and open locally for artists such as Chance the Rapper, Ab-Soul, Teresa Jenee, Terence Blanchard and more. He has also been a featured artist for the live music organization Sofar Sounds as both a musician and spoken word artist. He has worked as an event coordinator curating art events in partnership with Stereo Assault, Lyrical Therapy and Blue Light Underground.

In March of 2018, JerMarco founded Soul Shed STL a bi-weekly jam session for musicians to gather in fellowship and have access to an environment that allowed them the freedom to push their musical ideas past their limits and to grow among one another. With the mission to connect and develop his community of musicians through programming centered around music education, music performance, music business and wellness. Britton now aims to push the importance of artist development for all who are seeking professional careers in music and those who simply wish to become the best that they can be through their respective discipline. Soul Shed University, the 12-month introductory program he created was named the winner of the fourth annual stARTup Creative Competition, supported by the PNC Foundation and the Arts and Education Council.

Additional details about Catalyst Conversations in September and December will be shared in the months to come.

Catalyst Conversations is free and open to the public, but registration is required. For the most updated information and to register, click here

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