Vanguard Culture’s 2-day creative industry symposium explored the role of the arts in fostering a more livable and inspiring future. From the impact of AI technology on the creative sector to fundraising in uncertain times, mental health, leadership, and beyond, this event offered essential tools and insights for creative professionals. Designed for industry professionals from film, theatre, dance, visual arts, fashion, music and more, this event included dynamic workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, portfolio reviews, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to forge connections across industries and inspire hope for the future of humanity.

Take a moment to watch these engaging discussions and build your professional toolkit today!

Day One Panel Sessions & Workshops:

STORYTELLING FOR CREATIVES: Presented by professional storyteller Marilyn McPhie, this interactive workshop invited artists, performers, writers, and makers of all kinds to harness the power of personal narrative. Whether you’re crafting a pitch, writing a blog, delivering a talk, or shaping a memoir, your story matters — and how you tell it matters even more. Through guided exercises and expert insights, participants developed compelling, authentic stories to amplify their creative work and connect more deeply with audiences.
LUNCH BREAK & TEXTILE ACTIVITY: Discover the meaning of connection through a creative, hands-on activity with Visions Museum of Textile Art! Stop by their table anytime during the day and explore the question, “What does connection feel like?” by hand-stitching a word, shape, or design onto a burlap square. Each square will join others to form a growing chain of connection, symbolizing the ways we are linked to one another. As you stitch, reflect on your own answer to the question and be inspired by the answers of others, leaving with not just a deeper understanding, but a shared artistic experience that brings this idea to life.
THE BOARD OF BOARDS: Led by skilled mediator & business leader Alexis Dixon, this special breakout session was designed to empower board members from arts nonprofits in their board leadership. Leaders of dozens of arts nonprofits gathered for visioning exercises geared to revisit their purpose and potential as nonprofit executive leaders.
MENTAL WELLNESS FOR ARTISTS: Join Blanca Lucia Bergman, MBA, founder of San Diego’s leading artist resource for mental well-being, Mental Wellness for Artists (MWA), for an insightful discussion on what resilience is, why it matters, and how to build it. She will be joined by Brian Westpoint and Latoya McKelvin, from Movement Matters Collective and Galina Marcus, founder of San Diego Art Directory, for this revitalizing workshop.
PORTFOLIO & WEBSITE REVIEWS: Get honest feedback about how you are presenting your work & creative practice. Sign up for 10 min. sessions with filmmaker, Emmy-nominated content creator and TV host Jordan Jacobo; Executive Director of Medium Photography, teaching artist and professional photographer Lanae King; and Equity theatre actor, director, arts administrator and nonprofit leader Richard Trujillo for critical feedback of guests’ online portfolios, demo reels, LinkedIn profile, professional social media sites or other similar spaces.
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS: ARTISTS AS SECOND RESPONDERS: As artists, educators, and cultural workers, we are society’s second responders – tending to spirit, community, and connection in the wake of crisis. But who cares for the caregivers? This interactive session explores how to build safe, nourishing spaces within our organizations and lives. Through personal storytelling and collective wisdom, we’ll reclaim wellness as a revolutionary act and reflect on how to keep creating without losing ourselves in the process. Join Kim Richards, founder of Caring For Mama for an unforgettable moment of connection and restoration. With featured speakers Latoya McKelvin, co-founder of Movement Matters Collective; Rebecca Smith, founder of Above & Beyond Productions, and Camille Kelly, co-founder of SolPath Counseling & Holistic Wellness.