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The arts are constantly evolving, shaped by new technologies, creative breakthroughs, and regional challenges. This track explores the dynamic intersections of innovation, tradition, and the ever-changing landscape of the arts.
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the creative world—but is it a tool for artistic growth or a threat to human creativity? This lively debate brings together artists, technologists, and industry leaders to explore the promises and pitfalls of AI in the arts. Where do we draw the line between innovation and authenticity?
Dhananjaya "DJ" Perera is a Sri Lankan American artist and art entrepreneur residing and practicing in Fort Worth, Texas. He has served as an art educator for the past ten years currently teaching AP art for Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD's Boswell High School. Perera is heavily engaged in art entrepreneurship and spearheads the NAMNAL (New Age Media New Age Learning) programme in conjunction with Texas Christian University and University of Texas Dallas. NAMNAL exposes secondary artists to learn how to bridge the gap between new media and non-traditional art techniques at the collegiate level and have students apply their knowledge in authentic and practical ways towards resume-building management.
Dennis Antonio Chiessa, AIA, is an architect, founder of ch_studio, and Graduate Architecture Program Director at UT-Arlington’s School of Architecture. He examines the reciprocal impact of design and communities through creative practice, research, and teaching. He has designed and organized exhibitions and events to celebrate and promote Latino contributions to design practice and education. Dennis’ design work and research have been exhibited in The Amarillo Museum of Art, The Fort Worth Community Arts Center, the Fort Worth Science and History Museum, and the 2021 Venezia Architecture Biennale. Dennis recently received the 2023 Architectural Educator Award from AIA Dallas and was selected to design the Fred Rouse Center for Community Arts and Healing in Fort Worth, TX.
MODERATOR: As the founder of SUNSEV Creative, Briana Wucinski is on a mission to bring the soul to branding. She is dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs stand out through personalized, creative strategies. Briana brings her experience in storytelling, brand development, graphic design and strategic marketing across multiple industries, including art, fashion, healthcare, and technology. As someone who is deeply passionate about the evolving nature of both technology and the arts, she is eager to explore how innovation + AI can coexist with authenticity and artistry. She’s worked with various creative organizations, non-profits and entrepreneurs, helping them refine their brand identities and create authentic connections with their audiences by offering her insight into the intersection of creativity and branding in the digital era.
Panel Two: Innovation in the Arts
What does it mean to push artistic boundaries? This panel highlights groundbreaking artists and organizations redefining what’s possible in the creative sector. From interactive experiences to cross-disciplinary collaborations, discover how innovation is driving the future of the arts.
Jay Duffer is the Artistic Director of Amphibian Stage. He has 34 years of experience in the theatre industry, as an actor, director, writer and producer. His professional stage acting experience includes Off-Broadwayand Off-Off Broadway contracts, overseas engagements and many regional credits. Recent DFW professional directing credits are with Amphibian Stage, Stage West and Second Thought Theatre in Dallas, and he currently is a Guest Artist Director at UTA.
Wesley Kirk was born and raised in Fort Worth and is working constantly to make it a more vibrant city. By day he runs a film & photo production company called Vision & Verve, where he makes commercials and documentaries for businesses, non-profits, and artists. By night he runs an arts advocacy organization called Support Fort Worth Art whose mission is to build and sustain Fort Worth’s thriving arts ecosystem. He also serves as the Arts & Culture co-chair for SteerFW bringing together the world of civics and arts. He has put together many collaborative and inclusive art shows such as Eureka at The Pool Near Southside and Together We Make Art Happen in order to make the art scene accessible and for everyone to channel their inner creativity.
Taylor Willis is the Executive Director of The Welman Project, a nonprofit she founded with her best friend since childhood, Vanessa Barker. Through creative reuse, Welman provides free supplies and support for teachers, affordable art materials for the community, and empowering makerspace experiences for all. Taylor is dedicated to the organization’s mission of sustainability, teacher retention, and equitable access to creative learning, and she’s equally devoted to its side quest - creating a safe, inclusive space in Fort Worth where everyone feels welcome and valued.
MODERATOR: Ann Zadeh is the Executive Director of Community Design Fort Worth. Prior to this position though she has worn the hats of professional, public servant, and community member. She is a certified planning professional and has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the improvement of her community.
Panel Three: The Challenges and Triumphs Across Texas
Texas is a vast and diverse state with multiple thriving arts scenes. But each also faces unique challenges. This discussion brings together cultural leaders from across the state to share success stories, obstacles, and the creative solutions shaping the arts in Texas today.
Brandon Zech is the Publisher of the Texas-based art publication Glasstire. He joined Glasstire in 2015 as an Assistant Editor, and in 2018 he began overseeing the publication’s news content as its first dedicated News Editor. He speaks at venues and universities across the state about Glasstire's work and Texas' art scene, regularly guest-lectures about art criticism in college courses, and also hosts writing workshops for students interested in developing as art writers. He is a graduate of the University of Houston's art history program, where he was a Tier One Scholar. He lives and works in Houston, Texas.
Former Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax appointed Martine Elyse Philippe as the Director of the Office of Arts & Culture effective December 5, 2022.
With over 15 years of experience in arts administration, Martine previously served as the National Community Art Manager for A Window Between Worlds based in Los Angeles, CA and as the Chair for District 12 Arts Task Force for the Atlanta City Council. In her role with AWBW, she served as national creative strategist for the development of art- based leadership and resources to transform trauma and create community-based methods of change and social justice through art. Martine is devoted to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every facet of art and culture. She utilizes the breadth of her experiences to make a tremendous impact in the City of Dallas.
Fiona Bond is founding CEO of Creative Waco and currently in her second term as President and Board Chair of Texans For The Arts. She came to Waco from the UK, where she directed cultural initiatives in higher education, faith and economic development. She has a BA (hons) in Theology from Durham University (UK) and an MBA (hons) from The Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University. Fiona is passionate about creating and supporting well-rounded, vibrant communities in which all participants can thrive - and that's what she does for Creative Waco.
MODERATOR: Wesley Gentle, CFRE, serves as Executive Director and President for Arts Fort Worth, where he leads the teams responsible for the nonprofit organization's arts grants, public art services, and arts advocacy efforts. He previously spearheaded advancement for Arts Fort Worth, and he has held fundraising positions at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Worth Opera. He also works throughout the Metroplex as a classically-trained singer, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Texas Christian University and a Master of Music degree in opera performance from the Boston Conservatory. Gentle is immediate past-president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fort Worth Metro Chapter, a board member with Texans for the Arts, and an active member of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth.