West Michigan Newspop: Hollywood meets Grand Rapids for a night of funk, food, and youth storytelling

A purple-themed dance party with a purpose is coming to Grand Rapids. On Friday, November 7, the Mosaic Film Experience Funkraiser will bring together national creative professionals, local leaders, and community members for a high-energy night of music, dancing, and fundraising to support career exploration and storytelling programs for youth in West Michigan.

Hosted at The Venue at The Candied Yam (932 Division Ave S in Grand Rapids) from 7 to 11 p.m., the Funkraiser will benefit Mosaic Film Experience, with all proceeds supporting its youth programming. Since 2012, the nonprofit has equipped more than 40,000 West Michigan students with creative career skills through the power of storytelling.

“The Funkraiser is a dance party that celebrates what’s possible when creativity, community, and opportunity come together,” said Skot Welch, founder and president of Mosaic Film Experience. “We’re bringing national talent to Grand Rapids to speak with students at our annual Mosaic Event on November 6. These industry leaders will then join us at the Funkraiser to connect with supporters and help fuel the next generation of storytellers.”

The celebration draws inspiration from some of music’s most innovative artists while spotlighting real-world solutions for youth career access in creative and tech fields. Attendees will dance to beats from DJ AB, enjoy soul food and refreshments, and have the opportunity to engage with special guests from Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Grand Rapids’ creative scene.

Among the headliners are members of 9B Collective, the first Black-owned concept art studio made up primarily of BIPOC artists working across film, television, animation, and video games. Their credits include Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil, Moon Knight, Ms. Marvel, The Justice League, The Mandalorian, Westworld, Wicked, and Wicked: For Good. Guests include Phillip Boutte Jr., live action character design and costume; Mike Uwandi, video game concept art design; Joshua Leonard, animation character design; and Barry Brown, foundational skills and art education

Read more at https://www.westmichigannewspop.com/news/hollywood-meets-grand-rapids-for-a-night-of-funk-food-and-youth-storytelling.