CHICAGO — Global Mixx Creative Arts, NFP has officially announced the dates for the 17th Annual Global Mixx Music & Film Forum, returning to Chicago November 13–14, 2026.
Recognized as one of the industry’s premier creative gatherings, the Global Mixx Music & Film Forum brings together artists, filmmakers, media professionals, cultural leaders, and emerging creatives for two days centered on connection, inspiration, and real opportunity.
CULTURE OVER EVERYTHING
This year’s theme, “Culture Over Everything,” celebrates the communities that shape the heartbeat of the urban creative landscape — spanning music, filmmaking, creative media, DJ culture, emceeing, podcasts, radio, media relations, and tech innovation.
Pull Quote: “Culture Over Everything” celebrates the diverse communities shaping the heartbeat of music, film, media, and tech.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Featured events during the forum will include:
- The Global Mixx VIP Awards Ceremony
- Emerging Artists Showcase
- Speed Mentoring Sessions
- Short Film & Documentary Competition
- A dynamic lineup of industry panels and conversations
A LEGACY OF ICONS & INFLUENCE
Past forum speakers and featured guests have included acclaimed film directors Carl Seaton, Sam Bailey, George Tillman Jr., and Christine Swanson; visionary storytellers Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah; and celebrated recording artists Syleena Johnson, Twista, Naughty by Nature, Kindred the Family Soul, and Korporate.
The forum has also welcomed Grammy Award–winning producers Rico Love, No I.D., and Xtreme, among many other influential leaders across music, film, and media.
OPEN TO ALL AGES + MORE DETAILS COMING
The Global Mixx Music & Film Forum is open to participants of all ages interested in exploring careers and opportunities across the entertainment, media, and creative industries. Additional details, venues, special guests, and programming announcements will be released in the coming weeks.
WTW TAKE: Chicago’s creative community keeps proving the culture is the blueprint — and Global Mixx is one of the spaces making sure the next generation has access, visibility, and real pathways.
ABOUT GLOBAL MIXX CREATIVE ARTS, NFP
Global Mixx Creative Arts, NFP is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing creative education, workforce development, and access to opportunity across the music, film, media, and digital innovation industries. Founded as an extension of the Global Mixx legacy established in 2005, the organization creates inclusive platforms that connect emerging and established creatives to industry leaders, resources, and real-world career pathways.
Through signature programs such as the Global Mixx Music & Film Forum, youth and community workshops, showcases, panel discussions, and mentorship initiatives, Global Mixx Creative Arts, NFP empowers diverse voices to tell their stories, build sustainable careers, and shape the future of the creative economy — locally and beyond.
