Registration Deadline Extended — One More Week!
Great news! Thanks to your enthusiasm (and a few “pretty please?” emails), we’re extending registration for AAC’s 2025 Annual Convening through Monday, October 14 at 11:59 PM ET. Don’t miss your chance to join us in Los Angeles for a weekend of connection, creativity, and community care.
What to Expect: Two days of keynotes, workshops, site visits, movement, and a joyful closing celebration—all rooted in care, rising in joy. Build your plan below and explore the full session details on our agenda page.
Day 1: Saturday, November 8
Location: Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (via Ebony Repertory Theatre)
Morning: Opening Gathering
9:00–10:00 AM — Registration, coffee/tea, and light breakfast
10:00 AM–12:00 PM — Opening Community Conversation + Keynote
Saturday Keynote: In This Moment: What Matters, What’s Missing, and What’s Next
Featuring Amber Hamilton
A real-talk session on leadership, purpose, and joy in the arts—equal parts reflection, humor, and call to action.
Midday: Site Visits & Workshops
12:00–12:45 PM — Travel to site visits & get comfy
1:00–2:00 PM — Networking lunch + welcome from local organizations
2:00–4:00 PM — Site visit workshops, museum tours, and community conversations
How site visits work: You’ll choose one experience. Each visit includes a shared meal, connection with local BIPOC arts leaders, hands-on engagement, and space for reflection and joy.
Featured locations & sessions:
Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (Ebony Repertory Theatre)
Activate the stage and studios with creativity, laughter, and movement through three community-led workshops:When the Rhythm Changes: Line Dance as Leadership Practice — Danny Long
Yes, Let’s! An Introduction to Improv Comedy — Mary C. Parker (Bandit Theater)
Rooted Bloom Writing Workshop — Ragni Agarwal & Sundeep Morrison
California African American Museum (CAAM)
Japanese American National Museum (JANM)
Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC)
Blackbird House
Featured Workshop: Root & Rise: Holding Space for Creative Healing — Lindsey Vance
Evening: Explore & Connect
5:00–9:00 PM — Dinner on your own + optional social gatherings
Join hosted dine-arounds or explore LA with recommendations from local partners.
Day 2: Sunday, November 9
Location: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes & El Pueblo Historic District
Morning: Reflection & Movement
8:30–9:30 AM — Breakfast buffet + networking
10:00–10:30 AM — Morning check-in & reflection activity (special guest TBA)
10:30–11:30 AM — Interactive Keynote
Sunday Keynote: Dance as Resistance, Joy as Practice
Featuring CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater
An embodied experience exploring joy, resistance, and collective care through movement.
Afternoon: Breakouts & Community Building
11:30–11:45 AM — Transition to breakouts
11:45 AM–12:45 PM — Breakout Sessions: Round 1
12:45–2:00 PM — Lunch + Affinity Space Conversations
Connect with peers, visit our vendor market, or pop over to the Chinese American Museum (steps away).2:00–2:15 PM — Transition
2:15–3:15 PM — Breakout Sessions: Round 2
All Day: The Vendor Market is open.
💡 While you’re there, the Chinese American Museum offers a vibrant look at Asian American history and community—well worth a visit during your convening day.
Closing Celebration
3:30–6:00 PM — Reception & Vendor Fair
DJ-led celebration with food, drinks, dancing, and community.
Featuring local Indigenous vendors offering art, jewelry, and wellness goods.
Venue Partners
Sunday venue partners help us expand beyond LA Plaza and into the historic district:
Chinese American Museum (CAM) — Southern California’s first museum dedicated to the Chinese American experience. Attendees are invited to explore the galleries during Sunday’s convening.
Museum of Social Justice (MoSJ) — Showcasing stories of activism and resilience. On Sunday, join breakout sessions and view Comrade Sisters: Women of the Black Panther Party (Aug 9, 2025–Jan 11, 2026).
Ready to Join Us?
Secure your spot by Monday, October 14 at 11:59 PM ET.
Schedule subject to change.