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Creative Minds Collaborate at First-Ever Creative Hub Event

Todd Wetzel speaking in front of students

Creativity thrives in collaborative environments. In cooperative atmospheres, creative people may further develop their talents, build valuable career networks, find support and even hold one another accountable on their journey through the creative landscape. The first-ever gathering of Purdue Convocations’ Creative Hub bridged creative minds across different organizations, providing a new opportunity to network and form connections. 

Opening the merging of creative minds, students were encouraged to think of what their dream profession and lifestyle look like.

“This is the moment you start building the vision that is your future,” emphasizes Todd Wetzel, Assistant Vice Provost, Student Life and Executive Director, Purdue Convocations & Elliott Hall of Music/Hall of Music Productions. The facilitation of connections is a first essential step in cultivating a career in the arts community. 

Building on the vision of shared growth, the Hall of Music and Convocations teams opened doors to student organizations with a focus on the performing arts and live events for the first-ever multi-organizational gathering of their creative community.

A group of students in a music studio.Those in attendance included JamSpace musicians, Live Event And Productions (LEAP), Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN), Student Concert Committee (SCC), TEDxPurdueU and the Convocations and Hall of Music pre-professional interns. 

An individual from each creative space was selected to speak on their organization’s behalf, explaining what the club does as well as how to join. From there, students were open to network and start making valuable connections across different fields.  

“Collaborations like this are essential because it helps us network and market for our upcoming events,” says Nathaniel Casabar, vice president of TEDxPurdueU. “The soul of TEDx is very individual in nature, since we are a separate entity representing the TED brand. Having Purdue Convocations backing us up helps us run our events more professionally.” 

“TEDx hosts eighteen-minute talks with five to ten speakers,” explains Anh Duong, president of TEDxPurdueU, “We always promote ideas worth spreading. We share the TED experience with Purdue. We are a part of Purdue Convocations and they help us with marketing and booking venues. I am hoping that through this event, we can partner or organize an event with other Purdue Convocations clubs.” 

During Creative Hub, musicians had the opportunity to tour the new JamSpace in Elliot Hall of Music. The JamSpace is a rehearsal workspace for Purdue students which has basic guitar and bass amps, a keyboard, drumkit and a small PA system. 

“I’ve been really looking forward to a space like this,” says Derek Azpeitia, user of JamSpace and member of Sonny and the Stars, a local band. “Having a space geared towards students helps for practicing, rehearsing, writing and recording.” 

Outside of the value of having a space dedicated to music is the opportunity to meet new local musicians and those invested in the local music scene.  

“We love the new JamSpace - it’s really helped us make new connections and fostered growth and positive change,” says Nathan Adamson, user of JamSpace and member of Sonny and the Stars.  

There is immense value in collaborating across the various fields within Convocations and Hall of Music Productions. To put on a show, a wide variety of moving parts are involved. Much of the attention to detail occurs before the curtains even open. A performance or gathering must be properly marketed, supported through ushering and live event production and the act itself demands significant time, talent and preparation. Synchronizing these efforts, from lighting to ticket sales, is essential in the execution of an event. By providing a space to bridge the gaps between each step of this process, the entire effort benefits and the pursuit of excellence is expedited. 

“We aim to create a more powerful collaboration and connection for people here at Purdue,” Wetzel says. “We want it all to be self-directed. There’s more to the creative possibilities than we can even imagine. Tonight, with Creative Hub, we are setting in motion the first of multiple gatherings for the creative community connected to our work at Convocations.” 

As Creative Hub sets the stage for future collaboration, creatives are urged to check out Purdue Convocations and get involved! 

Get Involved with JamSpace 

The JamSpace is a rehearsal workspace for Purdue students. The Hall of Music Productions and Purdue Convocations teams have opened a space to support students’ journeys into the local live music scene. At the JamSpace, students are provided with basic guitar and bass amps, a keyboard, drumkit and a small PA system. JamSpace is located in the lower level of Elliot Hall of Music. Prospective users must be registered Purdue students and each group must meet with a representative of the Hall of Music to review and sign a usage policy framework. Students interested in JamSpace are encouraged to reach out via email to schedule time. Emails to connect with include: HLMCadmin@purdue.edu and walterak@purdue.edu.

Get Involved with TEDxPurdueU 

TEDxPurdueU curates, organizes and executes TEDx events at Purdue University in accordance with the responsibilities of TEDx conference organizers. Through this organization, students aid in designing programs, curating speakers, inviting guests, producing informative and enriching events and more. To get involved with this organization individuals can reach out via email at tedx@purdue.edu or wait for fall semester applications to open. For more information and opportunities, visit the TEDxPurdueU website and Instagram. 

Get Involved with Live Events And Productions 

Students at LEAP gain real world experience and educational opportunities working in aspects of the live event industry including audio, lighting, video, staging, projections, marketing, event planning and producing. Students interested in learning more and getting involved can reach out by emailing leap1@purdue.edu and by following them on Instagram. 

Get Involved with Student Concert Committee 

Purdue Student Concert Committee is composed of 16 students that have been selected through an application and interview process to advise Purdue Convocations about popular entertainment selections for Purdue students on the West Lafayette campus. SCC aids in selecting, marketing, promoting and producing national commercial entertainment acts that come to campus for the student body. To get involved, watch out for callout information for the fall semester and follow SCC on Instagram. 

Get Involved with Convocations Volunteer Network 

Convocations Volunteer Network (CVN) provides volunteer ushering for all Convocations events in Elliott Hall, Loeb Playhouse and off-campus venues each season. All members ushering for a given show are invited to stay and see that show for FREE! CVN members may usher for as many or as few shows as they like. To get involved, visit the website and follow them on Instagram. 

Get Involved as Convos and Hall of Music Pre-Professional Interns 

Build your resume with real pre-professional experience in arts and entertainment. Here are your contacts: 

About Hall of Music Productions  

Hall of Music Productions manages performing arts venues on campus and serves as Purdue University’s professional in-house production company to provide the latest technological offerings in audio, lighting, staging, live video, and video pre- and post-production for events on and off campus. Additionally, Hall of Music Productions serves as a learning center in entertainment technology and production support, involving students in hands-on experiences and training. Hall of Music Productions promotes collaborative activities with several academic departments as part of its commitment to Purdue students.  

About Purdue Convocations 

Founded in 1902, Purdue Convocations is among the oldest collegiate performing arts presenters in the United States. Convocations brings a diverse array of world-class performances and intellectual encounters, including collaborations with campus and community partners, to academic, local and regional audiences. Convocations catalyzes the curriculum, energizes the community and distinguishes Purdue through powerful performances, illuminating discourse and extraordinary learning encounters.