Publications

Young Cultural Innovators feature in the inaugural issue of digital publication The ii 100

Salzburg Global Fellows Lauren Kennedy and Rachel Knox have been included in a new publication showcasing Memphis’ most interesting and influential people.

The ii 100 features Kennedy and Knox in its inaugural 2017 issue with 98 other people from the Memphis area.

Both Kennedy and Knox attended the third Salzburg Global Forum for Young Cultural Innovators (YCI) in 2016. 

Kennedy is the executive director for the Urban Art Commission, having previously worked for Ballet Memphis, and the Dallas Art Fair. Knox, meanwhile, is a program officer for Hyde Family Foundations and sits on the boards of: The Urban Arts Commission, Voices of the South Theatre Company, and Our Fallen Heroes Foundation. 

Every year, the Salzburg Global Forum for Young Cultural Innovators (YCI) brings 50 of the world’s most talented young innovators from the culture and arts sector together at Schloss Leopoldskron. Salzburg Global supports participants to develop their vision, entrepreneurial skills, and networks, to enable them and their causes to continue to thrive.

Most participants are drawn from several YCI Hubs in various cities around the world. As members of the Memphis Hub, Knox and Kennedy attended the first major offsite meeting of the Salzburg Global Forum for Young Cultural Innovators in Detroit, MI earlier this year. They were joined by participants from hubs in Detroit, MI and New Orleans, LA. Participants worked on collaborative micro-innovation projects tied to the creative economy and social innovation.

Speaking ahead of this year’s Salzburg Global Day, Knox heaped praise on the YCI Forum. In a Facebook post she said, “My attendance to the Young Cultural Innovators Forum came at a time of transition in my career, so I felt a bit lost when I arrived. However, I quickly learned that although I was surrounded by creatives, my interest and passions about politics and policy were met with equal measure and enthusiasm from some of the most brilliant minds I've encountered. 

“As a textbook know-it-all, I learned that you don’t have to know all of the answers and that “I don’t know” isn’t a cop-out but an extraordinary opportunity to explore the possibilities ahead of you. It renewed my love of learning and not just knowing.

“I got the chance to travel out of the country for the first time in my life and explore one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been with the sweetest air I’ve ever smelled. I won’t ever forget the experience or take it for granted. And I’m so excited and thankful for the new group of fellows attending the YCI forum in the Fall. I can’t wait for them to join our incredible and scrappy American team from Memphis, and Detroit, and New Orleans and see what new energy they bring.”