Sweets & Sounds Announces Major Change ahead of its 2024 Conference
The conference formally known as The Sweets and Sounds Convention is now Creative U with the help of two partners. Now in its 3rd year and second in New Haven the leaders behind Convention announce a series of programming leading up to the conference on October 11th and 12th. Read on to learn more below…
Sweets & Sounds Entertainment, the producer of the convention, has announced it is giving creatives a unique experience with the launch of Creative U 2024 in partnership with the Connecticut Office of the Arts and Hosted by The City of New Haven. Evolving from The Sweet & Sounds Convention, the reinvigorated two-day conference takes a collegiate approach. Participants select their “major” at the mock university, allowing students to immerse themselves in dynamic workshops and activities geared towards their specific interests and skills. Thriving businesses and organizations such as reSET and Midnight Oil Collective serve as deans, providing both enrichment and education.
From October 11 to 12, Creative U celebrates Connecticut’s rich tapestry of artists and features a plethora of partners. Hosted in the city of New Haven, this immersive conference serves as the culmination of The Road to Creative U, which includes eight stops around Connecticut. These stops consist of collaborative events with multiple Connecticut-based organizations, bringing together a community of creatives to connect and nurture their talents through valuable resources and activities.
On Day 1 of Creative U, attendees will have the chance to explore The Creative Workforce: Arts & Entertainment Job Fair, curated by The New Haven Cultural Department. This provides a unique platform for engaging with established creatives and industry professionals. The job fair is open to everyone and free of charge. In the evening, the excitement shifts to the Canal Dock Boathouse for the Incoming Students Orientation. This event offers a great opportunity for attendees to mingle with their major cohorts, fostering meaningful connections with fellow creatives, Deans, Academic Advisors, and peers. Amidst delicious food and vibrant conversations, the evening will focus on the future of Connecticut’s dynamic creative landscape. It aims to nurture essential dialogues that empower both individuals and businesses to thrive. This gathering will be a prime opportunity for all attendees to meet each other before the big day.
“This movement is about equipping a generation to create pathways to sustainability and transformative purpose. Now is the time to tear down the walls of division and build strong bridges for collaboration, community and consciousness. Art is the driver for innovation and we want creatives to be seen, heard and cultivated to see CT as a hub for human development,” shares CT Office of the Arts Program Manager, Kolton Harris.
Day 2 of Creative U presents a diverse array of workshops, talks, and immersive collaborative spaces designed to engage attendees across various creative disciplines. This day is dedicated to creative business development and cultural enrichment, featuring insights from global creative leaders on a range of topics. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops corresponding to the “Major” they selected when purchasing their tickets. The available Majors are:
The Entrepreneurship Major, led by the "Dean" from reSET Social Enterprise Trust.
The Creative Workforce: Arts and Entertainment Major, led by the "Dean" from New Haven Cultural Affairs.
The Creative Leadership Major, led by the "Dean" from Midnight Oil Collective.
Each Dean will guide attendees through workshops tailored to their Major, providing in-depth knowledge and interactive experiences. After the convention concludes, participants will have the opportunity to join "Field Trips" around New Haven. These excursions will allow attendees to explore the vibrant city, discover its hidden gems, and enjoy delicious food from local restaurants."
Angel Dahfay, Founder of Sweets & Sounds Entertainment had this to share: “Creative U is incredibly close to my heart. It's more than a conference; it's a vibrant gathering where we celebrate the endless potential within our creative community. I’ve always believed that when artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries come together, magic happens. Our goal is to create an inclusive space where everyone can learn, collaborate, and inspire each other. By empowering diverse voices and fostering genuine connections, we can drive meaningful change and spark innovation in the arts and beyond."
Creative U 2024 has a ton in store this year and will be the place for creatives and aspiring creatives to be. We’ll see you in New Haven October 11th and 12th.