Creative Connections 2024
The event is sold out.
Creative Connections is a time to gather over breakfast and celebrate arts and creativity in Johnson County.
Wednesday, December 4th, 8:00 – 10:00 am, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS
The Arts Council of Johnson County’s Creative Connections Breakfast, in December, offers unique sponsorship opportunities for businesses or individuals looking to support the local arts community while gaining visibility among influential leaders in the sector. Sponsors will enjoy brand exposure, networking with key stakeholders, and the chance to demonstrate their commitment to the arts. Various sponsorship levels include benefits such as event recognition, logo placement, and complimentary tickets, ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership that supports both the arts and you or your business. For more information click here or contact Brian Williams: brian@artsjoco.org
Johnson County Arts Advocate Award
ACJC is excited to announce the 2nd annual Johnson County Arts Advocate Award. This award is given to an individual or individuals who have dedicated significant time, effort, and leadership that has had a positive impact on the creative economy and the arts in Johnson County.
Examples of impact may include one, but not necessarily all of the following:
- Nominee’s involvement in the arts such as:
- Nominee’s leadership in major arts initiatives
- Nominee’s efforts to increase funding and resources for the arts
- Nominee’s efforts to increase public awareness of the arts
Nomination application process:
Nominations should be submitted to ACJC in a statement generally not to exceed 500 words, excluding supportive materials. Nominations are due on November 1st. Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee. Nominations have concluded for the 2024 Arts Advocate Award.
2024 Keynote Speakers
Curtis Young serves as Director of the Kansas state arts agency, the Kansas Arts Commission. He leads a team dedicated to supporting, promoting and expanding the role arts and culture play in education, workforce development and community well-being in our state. Prior to joining Commerce, he spent nine years with Florida’s state arts agency, the Florida Division of Arts & Culture. A practicing theatre artist, Curtis holds a B.F.A. in Performance from the University of Memphis and an M.F.A. in Directing from Florida State University.
Enrique Chi is the guitarist and songwriter of psychedelic Panamanian band Making Movies, whose critically acclaimed album – XOPA – has lifted the group into international acclaim. XOPA reached #1 album on the NACC Latin Music chart and was praised by NPR, Afropunk, and Remezcla for its unique blend of Latin tradition and psychedelic rock.
Like their namesake, the band’s videos have a strong cinematic feel and the music video for the title track, “XOPA”, premiered at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, an official selection for the Dances With Films Festival. “No Te Calles”, the band’s collaboration with Ruben Blades, was the first track on Blades album Paraiso Road Gang which was nominated for Latin Grammy Album of the Year in 2019. The song and video were featured at the 2019 Latin Grammys telecast.
Enrique and the band have made it a point to stay connected to their community. In 2017, Chi launched Art As Mentorship, a non-profit organization empowering young people, through music, to write their own success story. Art as Mentorship envisions an inclusive community where historically underrepresented artists are emboldened to raise their voices through music, transform young artists through access to world-class mentorship, real-world skill development and mental health support.
Connect with Enrique
https://artasmentorship.org/
https://www.makingmovies.world/
https://www.instagram.com/mkngmvs/
https://www.instagram.com/artasmentorship/
2024 Featured Artists
JCDS Emerging Artists is an art as employment program offered by Johnson County Developmental Supports. The artists are adults who are passionate and driven to create and have and intellectual or developmental disability. Artwork can be purchased at the studio located in side the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center: Monday-Friday from 9am-3pm, or through the online store.
Follow Emerging Artists on social media @JCDSEmergingArtists for the latest news and creations!
Creative Connections Planning Committee
Planning Committee Chair – Emily Behrmann
Planning Committee – Cheryl Kimmi, Hannes Zacharias, Sarah VanLanduyt, Katie Coen
Sponsorship Committee
Emily Behrmann, Casey Wihlm, Brian Williams, Sarah VanLanduyt
Marketing & Logistics Committee
Emily Behrmann, Kelly Seward, Katie Coen
Awards Committee
Hannes Zacharias, Donna Davis, Jamie Green, Sarah VanLanduyt
