A free and open-to-everyone party will kick off one of the area’s premier festivals. Presented by Grand Rapids Community College, the opening night party for Confluence, an annual festival that celebrates innovation across art, music, science and tech, promises to be a spectacular experience. Located in and around Rosa Parks Circle, the party will feature hands-on experiences with AI-powered art, gallery-style fashion presentations, live concerts, DJ sets, food trucks— an interactive tour through our region’s tech-forward arts and culture scene.
“We are thrilled to partner with Confluence on our AI initiatives, a collaboration that epitomizes the future of education and innovation,” said Dr. Kristi Haik, Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) at GRCC. “This partnership enhances our ability to provide hands-on, ethical learning AI experiences for our community. Together, we are shaping the innovators of tomorrow and driving forward the possibilities of what AI can achieve.”
At the two-day event returning for its fourth year in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, September 20–21, Ferris State University will build live demos of AI-generated 3D art and design, tech-forward fashion, created by fashion students of the Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris University, and AI-generated art created by Detroit artist Tylonn Sawyer and local designer Phil Renato.
“West Michigan is a growing hub of innovation, technology and the arts,” said Bobby Fleischman, Ferris’ Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Confluence is an excellent opportunity to introduce people to careers in rapidly evolving fields and highlight the impactful work of our Ferris State faculty. Students inspired by what they see at Confluence will be tomorrow’s leaders in fields like esports and using tools such as artificial intelligence.”
Additionally, School of Rock will present an instrument petting zoo where attendees can jam on guitars, drums and other instruments. An outdoor bar will feature signature cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and beer selections from Samuel Adams.
The opening party will take place on Friday, Sept. 20, 6–10 p.m.
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