About 200 high school juniors and seniors from the Coachella Valley’s three public school districts will meet creative professionals from around the region and learn about different careers in arts, media, and entertainment during a career pathways event Oct. 17 at UCR Palm Desert.
A collaborative program of the nonprofit organizations OneFuture Coachella Valley and California Desert Arts Council, “Meet the Creatives” kicks off with a motivational wind-up by CBS Local 2 weather anchor/reporter Kelley Moody before breaking into four specialty panels:
* Digital Storytelling & Photography
* Digital Design (graphic and game design and 3D animation)
* Creative & Other Writing
* Performing and Visual Arts
“This is an important opportunity for students interested in becoming creative professionals — artists, musicians, designers, dancers, actors, writers — and arts administrators,” says Christi Salamone, CEO of CDAC. “We want a robust, vital, and sustainable arts community that reflects the authentic qualities of our communities and attracts cultural tourism. To achieve this, we need an educated, professional, unified, and empowered creative community. We’re proud to partner with OneFuture Coachella Valley to introduce students to some of the best creative talent in the desert.”
Kim McNulty, OneFuture’s vice president for regional strategy, adds, “Our mission is to prepare all students for college, career, and life. We’re grateful to the professionals who give their valuable time to help us show students what’s possible for them — and how to achieve it.”
The professionals will also offer portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and a variety of interactive experiences, including aerial drone photography and more.
Creative professionals and arts administrators participating include:
Laurie Baldwin, Palm Desert Chamber
Steven Biller, CA Desert Arts Council
Scott Burch, Scott Burch Design
Katy Carrier, Palm Springs Style
Luiz Castro, artist
Brittany Delany, CA Desert Arts Council
Maggie Downs, freelance writer
Jasmine Duran, CA Desert Arts Council
Lance Gerber, photographer
Denise Figueroa, The Desert Sun
Shivaun Manley Hinman
Kelley Moody, CBS Local 2
Kathleen Hughes, CA Desert Arts Council
Anndee Laskoe, Greater Palm Springs CVB
John McMullen, Stellar Networks
Jeff Miraglia, Greater Palm Springs CVB
Marnie Navarro, artist/educator
Sarah Day Owen, The Desert Sun
Adnan Pamukcu, OnTableMedia
Mary Perry, Desert Sands Unified Schools
Christi Salamone, CA Desert Arts Council
Graham Sutherland, GraSar Productions
Brian Neil Hoff, PS Animation Festival
Levi Vincent, PS Talent
