Mosaic Film Experience will celebrate its 15th anniversary on Thursday, November 5, bringing West Michigan students together with nationally recognized filmmakers, artists and creative industry professionals for a day of hands-on learning, career exploration and inspiration. The 15th annual Mosaic Event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Celebration Cinema GR North, 2121 Celebration Drive NE.
This year’s event, themed Creating What’s Next, will encourage students to imagine, design and build their futures while exploring how storytelling, technology and creativity are shaping emerging career opportunities. Since its founding, Mosaic Film Experience has worked to remove barriers to creative education, empowering underrepresented youth to discover their potential and explore careers they may not have previously considered.
The annual student event kicks off three days of anniversary programming, including Mosaic’s fourth annual Funkraiser on Friday, Nov. 6, and a community panel discussion and film screening hosted by GRAAMA on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Headlining the event are brothers Julien and Justen Turner, award-winning writer-directors and co-founders of Dreadhead Films. The duo has directed campaigns and creative projects for major brands including Nike, Beats by Dre, Air Jordan and Under Armour. Named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list, the brothers have earned two Webby Awards and recognition as Best New Directors at the London International Awards.
Additional keynote speakers include Bria Alexander, a generative AI leader and former Adobe design program manager, and Sarah Wood, an educational technology consultant with Kent ISD. Together, they will explore the intersection of technology, creativity and emerging opportunities.
“For 15 years, Mosaic has been about helping young people see possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves,” said Skot Welch, founder and president of Mosaic Film Experience. “When students have opportunities to learn directly from professionals working at the highest levels of creative industries, it can change how they think about their own futures. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re focused on expanding those opportunities and empowering the next generation to create what’s next.”
Featured speakers at this year’s Mosaic Event also include Phillip Boutte Jr., co-founder of Los Angeles-based 9B Collective, the first Black-owned concept art studio composed primarily of BIPOC artists. The collective’s work spans major motion pictures, television and entertainment, including Black Panther. Additional speakers include Emily Loeks, director of community affairs and public relations at Celebration Cinema; and Luis Perez, executive director, and Geraldo Gonzalez, program manager, of Code on Wheels.
Throughout the day, students will participate in hands-on workshops led by visiting creative industry professionals Joshua Leonard of Dallas and Barry Brown Jr. of Los Angeles, both members of 9B Collective, as well as local organizations including Betka-Pope Productions, GRTV, West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology, WGVU Public Media and Young Money Finances. The workshops will help students develop creative skills, explore emerging technologies and discover career opportunities across the creative industries.
New for 2026, students will have opportunities to participate in interactive experiences between sessions, including activities presented by Detroit-based College for Creative Studies, MI School Story, a live podcast recording with Don’t Quote Me and opportunities to engage with local creatives Mariah and Cierra Barrera of BREAKBARRIERS.
Mosaic’s 15th anniversary celebration continues Friday, Nov. 6, with its fourth annual Funkraiser from 7–11 p.m. at the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA), 41 Sheldon Ave. SE. The purple-themed dance party will feature music from DJ Adrian Butler, with special guest appearances by creative industry professionals participating in this year’s Mosaic Event. Proceeds support Mosaic’s educational programming.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, from 1–4 p.m., GRAAMA will host a panel discussion featuring 9B Collective members Boutte, Leonard and Brown, followed by a screening of Black Panther. The event will provide another opportunity for community members to engage with creative professionals working on major Hollywood productions.