About Thrive Fest

BAC’s Thrive Fest stands as the premier day-long symposium uniquely dedicated to enriching the lives of Brooklyn's vibrant creative community. Thrive Fest is breaking the mold by tackling the real issues we, as artists, face daily. It's not just about showcasing our work (though that's important, too); it's about building a sustainable future for our creativity and well-being. This innovative event pioneers a holistic approach to the challenges faced by artists, focusing on nurturing financial resilience, professional growth, and personal wellness.

Unlike traditional festivals that spotlight artistic outputs and showcase artworks, Thrive Fest seeks to provide foundational aspects of creating a sustainable creative practice. It offers a rich tapestry of resources, from financial advice and business strategies to wellness practices and equitable opportunities, all designed to foster a thriving, just, and sustainable creative ecosystem. Attendees engage in a dynamic exchange of strategies and ideas, building networks and learning from leading funders, entrepreneurs, and wellness experts. With art activations and wellness installations enriching the experience, Thrive Fest is more than an event; it's a lifeline to thriving in today's art world. This event is here to support the Brooklyn creative economy, providing you with the knowledge, networks, and resources you need.

Stay tuned for more information on Thrive Fest 2026!

2024 Event Photos

Community Sound Bath & Cyphers

Community Sound Bath & Cyphers, made possible by the support of the Open Society Foundations, was a one-of-a-kind activation during Thrive Fest 2024 where participants had the opportunity to make and record music, improvise, and connect with like-minded artists. Whether seasoned musicians or just starting out, this interactive session was designed to ignite participants’ passion for music and leave them with unforgettable memories. Check out these three tracks recorded live at the event!

Recorded and produced by Mario Castro of Capture Acid. Featured artists include Gina D’ Soto, Abou Diarrasoba, Connor Evans, R.Nejumi Muhammad (Saint Jummix), and Jill Peacock. Participants include Ariel Avissar, S. Erin Batiste, Lindsey Blackhurst, Cheyenne Bostock, Kendra Bostock, Chris Bullard, Lawrence Bynum, Neil Constantine, Tahj Dosso, Luis Enrique, Julissa Emile, Shakee Floyd, Salim Garcia, Amara Granderson, Chris Hlinka, Justo Kelly, Sharron Kennedy, Joel Layyon, Perla Joe Maalouly, Jacob Marshall, Sanyu Nicolas, Kemi Oritsejafor, Mai-Elka Prado, Wéma Ragophala, Anthony Basil Rodriguez, Alexa Rosenberg, Jay Schleyer, Eriko Tsogo, and Anteequa (Teek) Washington.