WMBCTV: Newark Symphony Hall Spotlights Black Creative Economy Summit on Juneteenth

Across the country, conversations around equity and access in the arts are growing. Here in New Jersey, officials and community members are gathering for the third annual Black Creative Economy Summit which they say is building a pipeline for Black artists, cultural workers and entrepreneurs.

“It’s about creating access, building pathways and owning our narrative as entertainers, as artists, film, fashion, producers and everything in between,” said  Talia L. Young, CEO, Newark Symphony Hall.

The program is housed here at Newark Symphony Hall, a historic performing arts venue nestled in the city’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Organizers say the initiative is aimed at connecting artists and entrepreneurs with tools to advance both creatively and economically. 

“We are building something generational,” said Talia L. Young, CEO, Newark Symphony Hall. “It is not just about right now what is happening in Newark Symphony Hall. We are literally investing in the future every single day.”

The summit is set to continue through this afternoon with more panels and guest speakers. Officials say this is just one part of a broader effort to link cultural investment with economic opportunity. They say the year-round initiative includes artist residencies, workforce development and partnerships with local and national organizations.