How can Black creatives get jobs, paid and grow their professional network? South by Southwest and other major festivals for creatives are generally run by cisgender white men and often, not very inclusive; they’re also very expensive. Early bird tickets to South by Southwest, for example, will set you back $1300. New Orleans will host the second annual Crescent City Creative Carnival November 9th and with it, a whole new world is opening for Black creatives who’ve been knocking for a long time.
In the entertainment industry it’s not what you know but who you know; that alone has served as a major barrier for Black artists, historically. In addition it can be very difficult for a Black filmmaker to have their work screened at some of the larger film festivals. For others, the simple question of how to monetize their talents is pressing and Black creatives often don’t have the guidance to assist them. The Crescent City Creative Carnival allows artists from across the country to come to New Orleans, network and turn their creativity into commerce. This unique event allows musicians, filmmakers, writers and other artists to convene and build something, together. Any dream you can imagine is possible and at the Crescent City Creative Carnival, you’ll most definitely be positioned to attain it.
Behind this tremendous event are two Black parents, a husband and wife team who are creatives, themselves. Quan Lateef-Hill and Willard Hill both own their own production companies and run a nonprofit, Crescent City Creative. The couple has a long track record of doing content creation, filmmaking, production and music. Their aim is to use the arts in order to uplift the Black community. The couple is focused on producing work that challenges how the world sees Black life and Black people. Their work with the Creative Carnival is an extension of their commitment to uplift Black people, using their expertise in the arts and the knowledge they’ve gained working in the entertainment industry. The Crescent City Creative Carnival isn’t about notoriety for Quan and Willard, this is way bigger.
Black creatives, especially, need to make their way to New Orleans November 9th. Willard and Quan want to help advance the next crop of creatives, by any means necessary. Financial assistance is available for a limited number of participants, just to ensure that all who need the connection can access it. Representation in the arts matters and this couple is doing their part to ensure Black creatives have it. From students to seasoned creatives, all are welcome at The Crescent City Creative Carnival. Click here for more information.
Also see Circa Eighty Two (Quan and Willard’s creative agency)
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