15 August 2024
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan —
Ferris State University is partnering with Confluence, a free two-day event September 20 and 21 in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, showcasing programs that lead to careers in arts, music, science and technology.
Ferris State is once again a partner of Confluence, an arts, music, science and technology festival coming to downtown Grand Rapids (Sept. 20-21).
Ferris State faculty and staff plan to present demonstrations of AI-generated 3D art and design, forward-thinking fashion from fashion students at the Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion at Ferris University’s Kendall College of Art and Design, and AI-generated art from Detroit artist Tylonn Sawyer and local designer Phil Renato.
“West Michigan is a growing hub for 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 our faculty are doing at Ferris State. Students who are inspired by what they see at Confluence will be the leaders of tomorrow in fields like esports and in using tools like artificial intelligence.”
Founded in 2021, Confluence offers a fun and exciting introduction to the innovations shaping our ever-evolving world.
The best college and high school teams compete in esports tournaments for trophies and bragging rights over their accomplishments. A Robotics Expo will showcase the region’s best middle and high school teams’ creations and work in engineering, programming and computer science. A Maker Expo will showcase the region’s DIY community. A Future Innovators Zone will showcase STEAM-based activities for kids of all ages, and more.
The event is the crowning conclusion of Tech Week GR.
Friday@Confluence is a new activity that kicks off the weekend on Friday, September 20, with an interactive tour of our region’s technology-focused arts and culture scene.
Taking place 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, and more.
Friday@Confluence runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is free and open to the public. The main sponsor is Grand Rapids Community College.
“We are thrilled to partner with Confluence on our AI initiatives, a collaboration that embodies 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 AI learning experiences to our community. Together, we are shaping the innovators of tomorrow and advancing the possibilities of what AI can achieve.”
School of Rock features a petting zoo where visitors can jam on guitars, drums and other instruments. An outdoor bar offers cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and a selection of beers by Samuel Adams.
Detailed information on all aspects of the festival can be found at 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 include Wood TV8 and Grand Rapids Magazine.
