World-famous artist Kehinde Wiley and highly-acclaimed, industry titan Kasseem Dean (a.k.a Swizz Beatz) is teaming up with Creative Minds Talks during Miami Art Week for a dynamic discussion about the state of activism, philanthropy and how to make it in today’s world as a creative.
Creative Minds Talks is a platform that features the ‘art of storytelling’ and sits with the brightest minds in art, architecture, fashion, music, film, sports and philanthropy for captivating, on-stage dialogue. Passion meets purpose as they engage, educate, entertain, and inspire through conversation. Creative Minds Talks also believes in giving back to the community and does so by making financial contributions to causes championed by our guest speakers, as well as investing in the next generation of leaders, by inviting local youth to share in these enriching experiences.
Known for his official portrait of President Barack Obama, eloquent artist Kehinde Wiley is joining for his first public conversation after the historic unveiling of his “Rumors of War” sculpture, currently in Times Square.
Earlier this year, Wiley launched his new artist in residence program, Black Rock Senegal, with Dean’s active involvement on the committee selecting the first year of artists. Now, the two friends reunite for an intimate and engaging conversation, creating a landmark moment in Art Basel history.
“Black Rock is about West Africa and it is about the world. The West African story is all of our stories: it is about aspiration, community, and tradition,” says Kehinde Wiley. “I founded Black Rock because I wanted to invite unique thinkers from across the world to join me in Dakar and become a part of this creative evolution. Art, in any form, is about dialogue. I am proud that Black Rock is doing the work to inform a new global discourse about what Africa means today.”
Kasseem Dean is most known as an American hip-hop recording artist, DJ, record producer, art collector and entrepreneur. Through The Dean Collection, Dean and his wife Alicia Keys, have contributed to and been inspired by a community of global contemporary artists.
“Creatives hold the keys to the culture. We are a community constantly inspiring and challenging each other to do more,” says Swizz Beatz. “Kehinde is an artist that I have always admired who pushes beyond the limit of what is possible. It is my pleasure to be on stage with him and my hope is that our conversation will inspire the next generation of creatives.”
Creative Minds Talks is a benefit platform that features the ‘art of storytelling’ and sits with the brightest minds in art, architecture, fashion, music, film, sports and philanthropy known for captivating, on-stage dialogue. As an entity dedicated to education through conversation, Creative Minds Talks curates purposeful talks for passionate crowds while aiming to engage, entertain and inspire. With strong philanthropic roots, Creative Minds Talks believes in giving back to the community and does so by making contributions to causes championed by its guest speakers, as well as investing in the next generation of leaders, by inviting local youth to share in these enriching experiences.
“We are delighted to host two incredible artists and philanthropists, Kehinde Wiley and Swizz Beatz, at the upcoming installment of Creative Minds Talks during Art Basel Miami Beach,” says Ewa Poilleux, Founder and Producer of Creative Minds Talks. “Their work, values and drive to create opportunities for others aligns with our mission and is inspiring for all of us. I like to call them modern day Medicis.”
Guests attending Creative Minds Talks limited-quantity tickets can look forward to a compelling conversation between creatives, red carpet entry, champagne reception and a VIP rooftop after party. For this exclusive Art Basel installment, Creative Minds Talks is underwriting 120 tickets for students and faculty to attend the event and meet Kehinde and Swizz, while all ticket proceeds will benefit Kehinde’s foundation, Black Rock – a new artist-in-residence program in Dakar, Senegal. To purchase event tickets: www.creativemindstalks.com.
