HISTORY
The Mosaic Film Experience, founded in 2012 by Skot Welch and Rick Wilson, positioned itself as a pioneering initiative focused on engaging urban and minority youth in digital media. Over the years, the organization has evolved from hosting film festivals to providing year-round educational programming, including a full-day student event, mobile film competition, and digital storytelling. Collaborations with schools, museums, and art organizations have expanded its reach, touching over 1,000 students with innovative and inspiring content. In response to the challenges of the pandemic, Mosaic successfully pivoted to digital platforms. In 2022, they returned to in-person events, hosting their annual gathering at Celebration Cinema! Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids. By 2023, Mosaic is further refining its mission, focusing on career exploration, workforce development, and experiential learning, continuing its commitment to creativity, media literacy, and community engagement.
2012: Founded by Skot Welch and Rick Wilson, the Mosaic Film Experience began with a vision to engage urban and minority students in a youth film festival. The first event was held in Kentwood.
2013: The program moved to Wealthy Street Theatre and introduced meetings with professionals in media and film production.
2014: Received 501c3 status and forged alliances with educational institutions. Added a media literacy curriculum to focus on high school students.
2015: Transitioned from a festival format to a full-day event. Introduced student-produced videos shot on mobile devices.
2016: Sponsored public conversations and exhibitions, began educational programming with ArtPrize, and developed programs with DisArt.
2017: Focused on an online mobile video platform and app development. Expanded fundraising efforts and partnered with the University of Michigan.
2018: Shifted to year-round programming, reached over 1,000 students, launched a youth-curated YouTube channel, and partnered with the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
2019: Contracted a program coordinator and formed partnerships for health-specific contests and mobile video workshops. Developed a summer workshop program and laid groundwork for a Storytelling Conference.
2020: Pivoted to digital programs due to the pandemic. Held the signature Mosaic Event with real-time interaction on diverse topics.
2021: Conducted the first digital storytelling workshop with Muskegon Intermediate School District.
2022: Annual event returns to in-person format, taking place at Celebration Cinema! Studio park in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.
2023: Mosaic works to engage the next generation of creative leaders by focusing their year-round programming through the lens of career exploration, workforce development, and experiential learning.
Throughout its existence, the Mosaic Film Experience has continually evolved, expanding its reach and offerings to promote media literacy, creativity, and engagement among students and the community. Its efforts have encompassed various formats, collaborations, and innovative approaches to connect with and inspire young audiences.