**Black Public Media Leads the Charge for Tech-Inspired Art at Torrents Festival in D.C.**

*Breaking Barriers and Reimagining the Future of Black Creativity in Technology*

Houston, we have lift-off! As the tech world races forward, Black Public Media (BPM), a Harlem-based nonprofit powerhouse, is at the forefront, ensuring that Black stories and artists have a pivotal place in this evolving landscape. Known for its groundbreaking work in film, television, and immersive media, BPM is all set to make waves at the upcoming Torrents Festival in Washington, D.C., a multi-day celebration of the intersection between technology and culture.

On Saturday, November 16, 2024, from noon to 4:30 p.m., BPM's BPMplus Art & Tech Showcase will return to Torrents: New Links to Black Futures, a signature arts festival produced by CulturalDC. This year’s event, hosted at Songbyrd Music House, promises to be a captivating journey through art, technology, and futurism, bringing together creative minds from across three continents. With an expanded format featuring two panels and seven visionary creators, BPM is not just pushing boundaries—it’s obliterating them.

BPMplus: Where Technology and Black Narratives Collide

BPMplus, launched in 2018, serves as the tech-savvy wing of Black Public Media. This pioneering initiative is designed to uplift and empower Black creators who are using cutting-edge technologies—such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and motion capture—to tell authentic Black stories in immersive ways. BPMplus isn’t just handing out grants and training programs; it’s creating a space where Black creators can lead the charge in redefining digital storytelling.

This year's showcase, moderated by Lisa Osborne, BPM's trailblazing Director of Emerging Media, will highlight the importance of inclusive tech access and how these technologies can be harnessed to reflect diverse perspectives. Osborne, an industry veteran with experience at American Film Institute and Sundance’s New Frontier, emphasized the urgency of supporting diverse voices in tech. "As AI and other technologies become deeply embedded in our lives, it’s critical that diverse communities have access during the early stages, to prevent entrenched biases from dominating new storytelling mediums,” Osborne shared.

A Festival of Innovation: Torrents by CulturalDC

CulturalDC’s Torrents festival, now in its third year, is a bold experiment in "creative placemaking," bringing together artists, community members, city officials, and developers to reimagine D.C.'s artistic landscape. Running from November 14-17, the festival will feature visual arts, film, music, and performance, all designed to inspire future-focused thinking. For BPM, Torrents is a natural home for its mission, offering a platform that celebrates innovation and the audacious spirit of creators who are unafraid to push boundaries.

By partnering with BPM, Torrents creates an interdisciplinary space where attendees can witness the marriage of art and technology—an experience that promises to be as educational as it is entertaining. From motion-capture dance performances to AI-driven visual installations, the BPMplus Art & Tech Showcase is an invitation to see technology through a culturally nuanced lens.

A Seat at the Table for Black Creators

At the heart of BPM’s mission is an unwavering commitment to representation. Osborne and her team at BPM understand that technology, while often hailed as a great equalizer, can be exclusive if access is limited. With fellowships, artist residencies, immersive workshops, and the PitchBLACK Immersive Forum—the nation’s premier pitch competition for immersive Black narratives—BPM is steadily building pathways for Black creatives to shape the tech-arts ecosystem.

“The BPMplus programs don’t just support Black artists; they create leaders and innovators who will shape the narrative of future technologies,” Osborne explained. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to build a future where everyone sees themselves reflected in the art and technology around them.

Event Highlights

The BPMplus Art & Tech Showcase will feature live demonstrations, insightful panels, and interactive experiences, all designed to leave audiences with a new appreciation for how technology can elevate storytelling. This is not just an event for tech enthusiasts—it's for anyone who believes in the power of representation, innovation, and creativity. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with pioneering creators, ask questions, and gain insight into how emerging technologies are opening new avenues for Black storytelling.

Event Details at a Glance:

What: BPMplus Art & Tech Showcase at Torrents Festival

When: Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 12 PM to 4:30 PM

Where:*Songbyrd Music House, Washington, D.C.

Admission: Free and open to the public

The Future of Black Stories in Tech Starts Here

Houston, this isn’t just a glimpse into the future—it’s an invitation to be part of it. As the tech world continues to expand, Black Public Media is ensuring that Black voices aren’t just present but are integral to the future of digital storytelling. So, whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an artist, or a curious Houstonian looking for inspiration, keep an eye on BPM and its bold steps forward in technology-driven arts.

For more information about BPM and the Torrents Festival, visit [www.blackpublicmedia.org](http://www.blackpublicmedia.org) and [www.culturaldc.org](http://www.culturaldc.org). This is one event you won't want to miss, as BPM and CulturalDC continue to break down barriers and redefine what's possible in the worlds of art and technology.

Songbyrd Music House is located at 540 Penn Street NE, Washington, DC. Register for the free event at https://bit.ly/BPMplusshowcase. Doors open at 11:30 am.