LIFE OF A CREATIVE WITH ARTBYVIKKIPOET

"2026 Creative Class" | Photo Courtesy of The Creative Collective NYC We want you to join us in celebrating the release of The Creative Collective NYC ’s “2026 Creative Class.” We’re excited to announce that this amazing class of creatives spans a variety of industries, including: Social Good + Community Content Creation Entrepreneurship + Tech Fashion + Beauty Entertainment + Arts Health + Wellness The Creative Collective NYC’s process for selecting artists, entrepreneurs, creators, strategists, and community leaders for its “Creative Class” series is based on a meticulously curated team of cohorts. The Creative Collective NYC’s carefully selected team of cohorts — which goes through a variety of applications — carefully selects a group of individuals whose work reflects a deeply rooted understanding of culture, through lived, felt, and recorded real-time life experiences.  Among this unique and carefully selected group of individuals for The Creative Collective NYC’s “2026 ...

We’re excited to announce that another episode of the popular podcast CULTURECON UNCUT is here, with hosts Imani Ellis and Ike Slimster . This episode features a guest appearance by Toni Chapman . Season 2, Episode 4, was released on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, titled “How To Know It's Time To Leave.” Imani Ellis and Ike Slimster kick off this week’s episode by sharing their Hot Takes , which include: - Imani Ellis and Ike Slimster’s thoughts on the importance of having some food compatibility in friendship. - Their perspectives on how cultural upbringing influences willingness to try new foods. Imani Ellis, host of CULTURECON UNCUT, sits down with the incredible New York Times bestselling author Toni Chapman to discuss the release of her highly anticipated recipes from her debut cookbook “ Everything’s Good ,” along with these topics: - Toni Chapman talks with Imani Ellis about recognizing when it’s time to bet on herself and pivot, as she becomes the main character in her s...

During the week leading up to this year’s CULTURECON event, Imani Ellis and the CULTURECON team made a strong impact on New York. On the day of CULTURECON itself, attendees experienced a wide range of activities, activations, and panel discussions. We are excited to share that CHASE INK has partnered with CULTURECON this year for a one-of-a-kind experience. The partnership kicked off with an exclusive Founder’s Circle Dinner. CULTURECON’s Founders Circle Dinner, presented by CHASE INK, brought together CHASE INK Unlimited cardholders and honorees from the creative class for an intimate evening of meaningful conversations around entrepreneurship, culture, and legacy. Additionally, CHASE INK hosted two engaging activations: the Networking Cafe and the Marketplace. At the CHASE INK Networking Cafe, attendees enjoyed a selection of coffee and snacks provided by Brooklyn’s Coffee Uplifts People . This space offered a dedicated environment for connection throughout the weekend. The CHASE ...

If you attended this year's CULTURECON and visited the Cricket Wireless activation, the “ Cricket Connect Lounge ,” enjoyed some fun at the “ Cricket Spirit Cruiser ," or stopped by the main stage to watch their panel discussion on “Mastering Digital Spaces: How to Build Community & Influence,” you saw firsthand how this partnership brings people together. We’re proud to announce that this collaboration between Cricket Wireless and CULTURECON offers exactly what you need to connect with others who are sharing similar experiences on your entrepreneurial journey. In the Cricket Connect Lounge, attendees had a space to recharge, network, and continue conversations, passing out digital business cards. Cricket Wireless also hosted the Cricket Spirit Cruiser, designed to entertain and foster community with activities like big-screen gaming and fun challenges. If you visited the main CULTURECON stage, you experienced an engaging panel on building online spaces. Here are the det...

Did you get a chance to watch or listen to the first episode of the second season of the podcast “ CULTURECON UNCUT ,” hosted by Imani Ellis and Ike Slimster ? If not, we recommend you do. Season Two, episode one of “ CULTURECON UNCUT” featured an engaging discussion about dating and relationships . Topics covered in this episode included questions and concerns raised by Imani Ellis and Ike Slimster around dating: - Should coffee shops be recommended for a first date? (Hell Yes or Hell No) - The performative aspects of masculinity . - Ways Imani Ellis and Ike Slimster define flirting in both business and romantic settings. - Exploring what's most important to know about a potential partner— Attachment Styles , Zodiac Sign , or Birth Order . We’re excited to announce that Imani Ellis and Ike Slimster, hosts of the popular podcast “CULTURECON UNCUT,” featured their first guest of the new season, the incredibly talented Kamie Crawford . Kamie Crawford is a podcaster, host, and produ...

We’re excited to announce the comeback of the highly anticipated and incredibly motivating podcast series “ CULTURECON UNCUT ,” hosted by Imani Ellis , founder of CULTURECON and The Creative Collective . Imani is joined by guest co-host Ike Slimster , a creator and a wildly popular, if sometimes problematic, favorite among the show’s growing audience. CULTURECON UNCUT features hot takes on creative culture. We’re proud to highlight that Imani Ellis brings a wide range of topics and engaging discussions to her dedicated community of listeners. Imani Ellis hosts impactful conversations with industry-leading African American culture shifters and change makers, addressing issues relevant to today’s world. These conversations are raw, unfiltered, and honest, sharing the highs and lows of being a creative or visionary amid today's uncertainties. In the season two premiere, Imani Ellis is joined by co-host Ike Slimster and the show’s first official guest of the season, TV host, podcaster,...

When it comes to Halloween and scary movies or TV shows, we all want a good scare. We’re excited to invite you to HBO MAX ’s immersive AI-driven fan experience inspired by the HBO Original horror series “ IT: Welcome to Derry .” This fan experience launches on HBO MAX on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Check out the trailer for “IT: Welcome To Derry ” below. The HBO Max Original series “IT: Welcome To Derry,” is set in Stephen King ’s universe and is based on his “IT” novel. It expands on the vision of filmmaker Andy Muschietti , through his movies “IT” and “ IT Chapter Two .” Join HBO Max on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. on the Culture Stage at this year’s CULTURECON for a panel discussion with talented actors and writers about “In Conversation With The Cast Of HBO Original Series IT: Welcome To Derry.” This panel features: Chris Chalk : Actor Stephen Rider : Actor Kimberly Guerrero : Actor Cori Murray : Editor & Writer When attendees at this year’s CULTURECON step into the “I...

If you thought we were done talking about this year’s CULTURECON , its amazing events, activations, and unforgettable experiences, think again. CULTURECON invites you to join us today, Saturday, October 4, 2025 , at the Culture Stage at 3 p.m. for an incredible panel discussion featuring the talented cast of NBC Universal’s Bel-Air , which airs on Peacock . The panel will focus on “ The Cultural Power of Peacock’s Bel-Air ,” offering a raw, unfiltered conversation with the cast about the series' legacy—telling stories of Black Opulence and the modern Black experience. The discussion will explore themes such as mental health, Black love, ambition, brotherhood, loyalty, and the tensions surrounding identity, class, and privilege. “The Cultural Power of Peacock’s Bel-Air” will also examine how this phenomenon has redefined the classic 1990s show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air . During this highly anticipated panel, the cast will give attendees a sneak peek of the upcoming, final fourt...

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 04, 2025 , kicks off this weekend's exciting two-day CULTURECON . This event is one you won't want to miss- don't hear about it later from the highlights posted on social media . With many incredible guest speakers , panels , and activations scheduled for both days, we only have a few words: You need to be there. We're excited to share two fantastic activations happening at CULTURECON: The Creative Careers Lounge and The Feel Good VIP Office Hours , presented by Sensori . Many career recruiters will be attending, including representatives from HBO MAX , ESPN , Excelsports Management , 160/90 , and social networking with We Met IRL . Join the CULTURECON Creative Careers Lounge to experience these valuable opportunities:- Interact directly with recruiters- Participate in speed networking sessions- Discover how to stay competitive in today's job market Please note, access to the Creative Careers Lounge requires a CULTURECON ticket. To he...

Where will you start showing up for yourself and saying 'YES' to everything truly you and aligned with the person you're becoming? We’re thrilled to announce that CULTURECON is committed to supporting exactly that. CULTURECON has just given us the green light to share that not only will BET be present at this year's two-day event filled with collaboration, creativity, and celebration, but Audible will also be part of the experience. If you thought these platforms were coming solo, we’re excited to reveal that CULTURECON invited them to bring along a few friends, and let me tell you — both BET and Audible did not disappoint. BET is returning to the CULTURECON stage with two exclusive panels. BET is a significant space created intentionally for Black creatives , where our community of African American artists has the power to create, share, tell our truths, and bring our visions to life—feeling heard, respected, and liberated in our creations. Join singer and actress L...

More and more valuable speakers and panel guests are being announced for this year’s CULTURECON , which is happening on October 4, 2025, and 5, 2025, at the Duggal Greenhouse (Building 268), located inside the Brooklyn Navy Yard . The Brooklyn Navy Yard is an industrial complex with a large campus that includes many buildings. The Brooklyn Navy Yard is located at 141 Flushing Avenue, Unit 77, Brooklyn, New York 11201 . We want to inform you that the doors for CULTURECON on Saturday, October 4, 2025, will open at 8:30 A.M. and close at 8:30 P.M., and on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the doors will open at 9 A.M. and close at 7:30 P.M. We are here to help you prepare for this year’s CULTURECON. We’re making sure you don't just fall into orbit. You're buckled up and given a solid plan to navigate your upcoming journey through the creative cosmos of CULTURECON. The closest entrance to the Duggal Greenhouse is the Sands Street entrance , located at the intersection of Sands Street and N...

When was the last time you looked in the mirror intentionally? Could you recognize yourself, or did you see a partially broken version of you? The version of you that’s crying and screaming for help, but you're ignoring. To help you recharge and regain your energy, we’re excited to announce that YouTube has partnered again with CULTURECON this year. Through this year’s CULTURECON and YouTube partnership, YouTube is bringing its energy recharging stations . These YouTube recharging stations include the VIP Lounge , Galactic GlamBot , and the Cheat Codes Bar . Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll gain when you visit one of these stations: VIP Lounge: Step into YouTube’s Interstellar Rest Stop — a cosmic pit stop for creators traveling the galaxy of ideas. Recharge, connect, and refuel your creative energy in a space where imagination meets storytelling. Galactic GlamBot: Strike a pose and let the Galactic GlamBot capture your best angles. Capture the moment — ready to beam across the ...

There are many ways to invest in your own growth. The question is, “In what ways are you investing in yourself?” Are you investing in improving yourself financially, spiritually, or creatively? These are important questions to ask yourself when deciding to start a personal and professional self-development and wellness journey. In moments like this, when you notice changes in your life, and you're no longer the same person you once were. We’re excited to announce the return of the annual event “ CULTURECON .” CULTURECON will be held in Brooklyn, New York , on Saturday, October 4, 2025 , and Sunday, October 5, 2025 . This incredible two-day event focused on networking, personal growth, and professional development is one you won't want to miss. It will feature a variety of networking activities, panel discussions, and activations . Attending this year’s “CULTURECON” will leave you feeling inspired and proud of the investment you've made in your personal and professional self...