ANN ARBOR, Michigan (March 11, 2025) – The public is invited to “Building an Artistic Life: Arts Career Forum 2025” at Washtenaw Community College (WCC) on Friday, March 21.
 
Presented by WCC’s Entrepreneurship Center and Arts Management Certificate Program, this event is designed to inspire, educate and connect aspiring and established artists with industry leaders, educators and fellow creatives.
 
The forum is free and will be from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Morris Lawrence Building, located on the WCC campus, 4800 E. Huron River Drive.
 
Attendees will gain valuable insights into career-building strategies, creative entrepreneurship and networking opportunities. The event is open to WCC students as well as community members.
 
Event Highlights:

• “Building a Creative Network” Panel & Q&A (11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.)
  Join guest speaker Dr. Antonio Cuyler, Professor of Music at the University of Michigan, alongside panelists from Wayne State University, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Michigan. This engaging panel will discuss how to create and maintain a thriving creative network in today’s ever-evolving arts landscape.
• Creative Arts Pitch Competition (12:15-2 p.m.)
  Students will have the opportunity to pitch their creative project ideas for a chance to win up to $500 in cash prizes. This segment of the program includes pizza, prizes, and real-time judging, offering a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas.
• Artist Panel: Stories of Survival, Problem Solving, and Prosperity (12:30-1:30 p.m.)
  Moderated by WCC’s Emani Barber, this panel will feature four accomplished artists sharing their personal journeys through the creative industry. The panel includes:
  • Jordan Buzzy, Photographer, DJ, and Media Producer
  • Sophia Adalaine Zhou, Mixed Media Photographer & UX Designer, WCC Alum
  • Jerry Jones, Songwriter & WCC Faculty
  • Christina Marie Sears, Creative Writing/Dance and Voice, WCC Faculty
• FLYDLPHN Performance & Career Insights (2-3 p.m.)
  Enjoy a live performance by FLYDLPHN, a contemporary mixed chamber ensemble, along with original works from WCC Student/Faculty Poets. The performance will be followed by career comments from seasoned professionals, offering a unique chance to experience creativity in action.
• Networking Session (3-4 p.m.)
  The day will culminate in a networking session, providing students, artists, and professionals with the opportunity to connect, share ideas and explore potential collaborations.

• What: “Building an Artistic Life: Arts Career Forum 2025”
• Who: WCC students, community members and anyone passionate about pursuing a career in the arts
• Where: Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building,
  4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
• When: 11-4 p.m. Friday, March 21
• Details: For more information, visit the webpage.