Aug. 15, 2024

Ferris State highlighting innovative careers in art, music, science, and technology in two-day Confluence event

Ferris State University is highlighting programs leading to careers in art, music, science and technology as a partner in Confluence, a free, two-day event Sept 20–21 in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.

Ferris State faculty and staff are planning demonstrations of AI-generated 3D art and design, techforward 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.”

Confluence, founded in 2021, provides a fun and engaging gateway into the innovation that is shaping our ever-evolving world.

Top collegiate and high school teams compete for trophies and bragging rights in esports tournaments; a Robotics Expo hosts the region’s top middle and high school teams to show off their creations and demonstrate their work across engineering, coding and computer science; a Maker Expo highlights the region’s DIY community; a Future Innovators Zone presents STEAM-based activities for kids of all ages; and much more.

The event is the capstone experience for Tech Week GR.

Friday@Confluence is a new activity that kicks off the weekend on Friday, Sept. 20 with an interactive tour through our region’s tech-forward arts and culture scene.

Located in and around Rosa Parks Circle, the party features hands-on experiences with AI-powered art, gallery-style fashion presentations, live concerts, DJ sets, food trucks and more.

Friday@Confluence runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Presenting Sponsor is Grand Rapids Community College.

"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 and Mathematics at Grand Rapids Community College. “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.”

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.

For complete details on all areas of the festival, visit www.confluencefest.com.

Presenting sponsors include Dematic, Ferris State, GRCC, Grand Valley State University and Steelcase. Event partners include Atomic Object, City of Grand Rapids, Ford International Airport, Kikcit, Meijer, Mission Design & Automation, Samuel Adams, Tito's Handmade Vodka and Xfinity. Early Childhood Education partner is WGVU Public Media. Media partners includes Wood TV8 and Grand Rapids Magazine.