Conference 

The seventh annual conference on creativity and innovation brought together entrepreneurs, knowledge workers and policy makers from around the globe to examine how creativity drives Commerce, Culture and Education. The Forum included pre/post conference tours, international meetings, a two-day conference, a Creative Convergence Showcase, and evening activities featuring entertainment provided by Oklahoma talent and the innaugural Creativity World Biennale.

Opening Ceremony

“The land that is now Oklahoma has always been a creative frontier – an ancient network, a forum for cultural exchange, international trade, commerce, innovation and education. The Opening Ceremony offered a glimpse into Native cultures with some unexpected surprises focusing on the presence of Native people in Oklahoma for thousands of years. Included in the Opening Ceremony were a western style calling song, eastern style gathering horn/song, which was followed by a modern dance emulating the traditional fire, the Caddo Alligator dance, Women's Fancy Shawl Dance, a Tribal Banner Processional and concluded with contemporary Powwow style dancing. Produced by the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum.

Creative Convergence Showcase

The Showcase included American Indian artists creating new works of art daily as well as American Indian authors sharing their literary works with book signing opportunities.“Both the ‘LIVE PAINT’ and the ‘LIVE READ’ helped fuel the creative dialogue.

Also included in the showcase was the “Moving the Fire: The Removal of Indian Nations to Oklahoma,” historical photographic exhibition depicting the unique convergence of many different tribal cultures, to what is now known as the State of Oklahoma. The collection is owned by the Oklahoma Arts Council.

Additionally, a new Water Sculpture premiered by Cheyenne artist Nathan Pratt. The flow of creativity has been compared to streams of water. Like water, creativity is fleeting and lasting. The elements of water, light and DNA are presented in the sculptural work within a Native American context.

Closing Ceremony

The Chickasaw Nation produced and presented a scene entitled "Clan Leaders" from their "Lowak Shoppala"production meaning "Fire & Light." Three renowned Chickasaw artists, composer Jerod I. Tate, author/environmentalist and Pulitzer finalist Linda Hogan and award winning fiber artist Margaret Roach Wheeler collaborated to bring Chickasaw culture to life. Inspiration for the original theatrical production was from a poem by Ms. Hogan.  The scene depicted mutual respect of individual Clan leaders and the Minko, the highest leader, tribal dignity and strength, commitment to each other and to the people they serve.