Graphic via Elevator Creative

By Hunter Bonaparte, Arts & Entertainment Coordinator

The Elevator Creative, a student founded organization that is committed to the development of student artists and creative minds, and First Attendant to Miss Spelman, Ayiana Davis Polen, partnered to provide AUC students with an opportunity to learn about turning art into a profession. 

The Essence of the AUC panel consisted of both students and leaders in the artistic field. They delved into the state of musical artistry today and what it takes to make a dream reality.

Among the panelist was Al Thrash, an AUC professor and entertainment business professional who has worked with artists such as OutKast and Lupe Fiasco. The panelists also included Reesha L. Archibald, a multi-hyphenate from Colorado who boasts a resume including being a member of Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir and a new show on Hulu called “Johnson.” Their advice was reinforced by years of experience.

“Take your time, don’t just put your [art] out there,” Archibald said.

The rest of the panel consisted of  Elevator Creative Co-Founder and COO Joshua Pryor, actress Aryn Wright Thompson, artist Karma Bridges and the  Polen. All of these panelists are currently students at Morehouse or Spelman college. 

A focal point of the discussion was its generational cohesion. The conversation volleyed between the fears of the young audience and analysis of the current state of the entertainment industry.

Beyond this, there was an emphasis placed on the power of the AUC and how it enables students to achieve their dreams.

“Spelman has allowed me to be confident in who I am so when I go out in the world, I won’t be shaken.” Bridges said.

Many commented on how the society we live in does not adequately accommodate the creatively inclined. There was talk of how business, medicine and law dominates thought in terms of what students should pursue academically and in their subsequent professional lives. 

“We don’t want you to go through the things that we had to,” Archibald said.

Another empowering of the event was the authenticity of the panelists. All their stories and points of view were completely unique, yet applicable to everyone in attendance. An especially profound take came from Thrash, who had a few words on the recent rise of artificial intelligence.

“We should be embracing it as a tool and not a substitute,” the professor said.

In its totality, the Essence of the AUC, Journey to the D.R.E.A.M. panel helped to give students insight into the trajectory of the entertainment industry and how to make sure their artist voices are heard. 

Co-Edited by Auzzy Byrdsell (Editor and Chief) and Colin Royal (Managing Editor of Print)