This program is co-hosted by Concepts International, King Boston, and the ICA/Boston.
Boston-area creatives Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs, Annie Morgan, and Frank “The Butcher” Rivera reflect on their paths for establishing their highly regarded and flourishing careers in industries that have historically lacked diverse representation. Hear how these three prominent individuals have reshaped and reimagined the fashion industry and public art in Boston and beyond through their innovative contributions. This program is moderated by Greg Ball, Deputy Director of Embrace Ideas at King Boston.
Careers and Creativity is organized in conjunction with Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” at the ICA.
This event will also be livestreamed on our website simultaneously.
NOTE: This program is scheduled to be held outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors and will require proof of vaccination to enter the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater. Guests who need reasonable accommodations due to a medical exception or sincerely held religious belief must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event to obtain access to the program as well. While our goal is to provide ample notice about a change in venue due to weather, the ICA suggests these individuals seek a test in advance of the event to ensure attendance. Learn more about ICA Covid protocol
Speaker Bios:
Rob “ProBlak” Gibbs is a visual artist and organizer who has transformed the cultural landscape of Boston through graffiti art since 1991. Growing up in Roxbury during the Hip-Hop Golden Age, ProBlak saw the power of graffiti as a form of self-expression. Graffiti became a tool for him and for others in his community to chronicle and immortalize their culture and history. For ProBlak, graffiti acts as a contemporary form of hieroglyphs, a way to document and pay homage to underserved, underheard communities in the city. His vision – to beautify the predominantly black and brown communities of Boston – is a driving force behind his artistic practice.
Annie Morgan is the Brand & Product Director for Concepts. While overseeing the creation of Concepts-branded product and brand initiatives she also supports the strategic and creative aspects of special projects and collaborations for the company globally. Annie’s career started in New York City in 2010, where she held& marketing and consulting roles at MasterCard and Vogue before returning to Boston to join Concepts in 2017. An advocate and example of representation in the sneaker boutique industry, her influence has propelled female-inclusive brand decisions by the likes of Nike, adidas, and ASICS, and her forward-thinking approach to the Concepts consumer and supporting collaborations that continue to drive the brand forward will be seen for years to come. She lives and works in Boston.
Designer, producer, and storyteller Frank “The Butcher” Rivera is behind some of the most sought-after sneaker collaborations of the past decade. He founded the Boston-based brand/agency BAUEWYK in 2013. In 2017, Frank started ‘Public Peace Works’ as an evolving creative concept about community unity and peace.
Organization Partners:
Opening in 1996, Concepts opened its doors in Cambridge, MA, as one of the first boutiques to blend the worlds of street, skate, and fashion. In the time since, Concepts has combined those authentic roots in conveying a narrative and translating brand identity through collaborative projects and original product. To date Concepts has partnered with more than 25 globally recognized brands on more than 150 projects, from Nike SB to Converse, Lacoste to adidas, Canada Goose to Birkenstock, and Kyrie to New Balance, among many more.
King Boston is a nonprofit working closely with the City of Boston and the Boston Foundation to create a living memorial and programs honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King and their time and work together in Boston. The memorial is intended to inspire visitors to reflect on the values of racial and economic justice that both espoused. Through the memorial and related programming, King Boston envisions an inclusive and equitable Boston for all.
