Creative Mix

Vancouver’s leading creatives agree that industry inbreeding is so very old-school (in a bad way). Success as an artist or creative professional requires a diverse skill set and a broad network.

Enter CREATIVEMIX – Vancouver’s only annual ideation conference. Thursday November 3rd Vancouver-based idea makers, movers, and shakers will gather to share their experience and explore the common thread of creativity and collaboration. The heavy-hitting lineup of 8 keynote speakers includes actor and writer Hiro Kanagawa (story editor on the acclaimed CBC dramas Da Vinci’s Inquest, Da Vinci’s City Hall, and Intelligence and currently works for the gritty rez drama Blackstone) who will be presenting a keynote message titled: Terminal City on the Trans-Cyberian: Why and How Vancouver can be a Global Hub for Transmedia Production.

This conference, in its third year, is no longer Vancouver’s best-kept secret. CREATIVEMIX has earned its mark as the breeding ground for creative innovation, education, and interdisciplinary networking. Other conference presenters include TJ Galda, Senior CG Supervisor (Electronic Arts Canada) who’s personal credits include work on feature films like Shark Tale, Kung Fu Panda, and Fantastic Four; as well as, Ian Grais (ReThink Canada) whose art direction is ranked #1 in Canada ten years running.

Other keynote sessions include talks from Bruce Haden (architect), Graeme Berglund (co-founder of The Cheaper Show), Dave Delnea (photographer), Dr. Ben Kadel (social physiologist), and Mara Gottler (costume design). “Too many creative people are isolated in their work, either in their craft or industry” says CREATIVEMIX co-producer Corwin Hiebert “It’s our ability and willingness to be creative within the context community that will elevate our work to a place where it can get noticed and make a difference”.

The big buzz around the conference is the CREATIVEX: a free showcase featuring displays of ideas, projects and collaborations from a diverse array of disciplines. Open to the general public, the exhibit will feature works from various artists including the next generation of creative leaders from Capilano University’s IDEA program, Langara College, and VanArts. Fine artist Jose Rivas will be in-action as he produces in real-time an interactive painting installation (in partnership with Opus Art Supplies).

Anchored by a pop-up Ethical Bean Coffee shop and a performance stage, the MIXLounge is at the centre of it all; live music performances are by indie-folk rocker Jasper Sloan Yip and the eclectic sounds of Maria in the Shower. This networking venue is a great place to connect with likeminded creatives.

CREATIVEMIX is a one-day Ideation Conference held on Thursday, November 3rd 9am to 6 pm in Yaletown’s Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre. The cost to register is $99 and includes lunch and refreshments, passes to attend the keynote sessions, workshops, as well as the “Think & Drink” post-event networking event. CREATIVEX, the creative exhibition is free and open to the general public from 9:00-4:00 pm. The conference is co-presented by Corwin Hiebert and Eileen Rothe (Red Wagon Management) and Boca del Lupo. For more information, visit www.creativemix.ca.