What if you could see inside an artist’s mind? On March 25, PechaKucha Charleston returns for its 49th edition over two decades, offering a rapid-fire look at what inspires the area’s creatives.
Eight creative people will stand on the stage of Charleston Music Hall to share what drives their art and what inspires their lives. From photographers to chefs to vocalists, audience members will be transported into the minds of artists in just 400 seconds.
“Participation is completely open within the broad parameters of what constitutes a ‘creative,’ ” Terry Fox, co-founder and associate director of Charleston Arts Festival, told the Charleston City Paper in a 2023 report. “Vetting is always key to assure both diversity of thought and inclusivity.
“[It’s] the sense of camaraderie established within presenter groups in their zeal to share with attendees their personal stories regarding what drives them creatively.”
It is a fast-paced, highly anticipated and fun performance that has one basic condition — presenters show one slide every 20 seconds for a total of 20 slides. Each slide presents a fragment of the creative fuel these artists rely on, coming together to tell the stories behind inspiration. For 400 seconds, the audience is invited to open their minds for each creative and walk away with new ideas.
Edition 49’s lineup is the perfect mix of creatives who help make Charleston the city we know: rich in culture, art and hospitality.
“Having been involved in pulling together our PechaKuchas for quite some time, I have been inclined to think that, upon its completion, each of our previous 45 events has merited the title of ‘The Best,’” Fox also said. This year is shaping up to be no different, as he called this edition’s presenters “superstars.”
Presenters on March 25 include:
- Jana Riley, executive director of Public Works Art Center;
- LaFaye, vocalist and performer known for her energetic performances of soul, R&B and rock and roll;
- Graeme Evelyn, artist, musician and curator bringing socially conscious art to Charleston;
- Brooke Warden, chef-owner at Pink Cactus;
- Michael Dickins, director and chief curator at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art;
- Demetrius Bing, a self-taught contemporary artist;
- Connor Lock, graphic designer and artist committed to creative solutions;
- Chad Dyar, photographer with works seen on HGTV, Travel+Leisure, and Condé Nast Traveler.
Emceeing the night is a veteran of PechaKucha 45, Camile Lowman. The actor and educator reflected on being “too much” in her presentation in 2024 and is now bringing that bold energy to hosting.
Returning to provide music for the event is DJ Josh Silverman, commonly known as Professor Ping. Presenter Connor Lock also designed this year’s poster.
Originally, PechaKucha began in Japan in 2003. PechaKucha translates to “chit chat” in Japanese, relaying the ultimate goal behind the movement: to connect people in quick and to-the-point conversation.
The discussion surrounding inspiration grew to be global, reaching Charleston in 2008. Charlestonian’s have been listening to poets, painters, performers and others ever since — finding artistry in every slide.
IF YOU WANT TO GO: Tickets are available online for $16.50. Doors open at 7 p.m., the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
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