Big news for the 901: Creative Placemaking Communities and Community LIFT have announced that Memphis will be the host city for the final South & Appalachian Creative Placemaking Summit from April 21–24, 2026.
This 8th and final Summit, titled BUILDING BRIDGES: Connecting Communities through Culture and Commerce, is the culmination of a years-long journey exploring how arts and culture drive revitalization across the South. We are especially excited to see the Memphis Medical District taking an immersive role in the programming.
A Local’s Tour: Walking the District with Kirkwood Vangeli
One of the standout local highlights of the Summit will be an immersive tour led by our very own Kirkwood Vangeli, Manager of Streets and Public Spaces.
Kirkwood won’t be walking the District alone; he will be joined by Lauren Kennedy (Sheetcake) and Arely Herrera (Contemporary Arts Memphis). While the trio is still finalizing the specific route and stops, they are designing an experience that goes beyond traditional urban planning. This tour is a deep dive into the creative engine of the District, highlighting the galleries and studios that have anchored our neighborhood’s identity for years, including:
We can’t wait to share more details soon on how this collaborative tour will operate, but it promises to be a firsthand look at how art and community intersect on our streets.
The event’s host sponsor, Community LIFT, is dedicated to investing in Memphis neighborhoods by empowering residents and growing local businesses. By bringing this regional Summit to our streets, they are shining a spotlight on the collaborative work happening right here—showing how culture and commerce go hand-in-hand to build a more resilient city.
Early-Bird registration is NOW OPEN. Whether you’re an artist, a community leader, or just a fan of the Medical District, we hope to see you there to represent Memphis!
