Returning for its fourth consecutive year, Kickin It has officially renewed its annual partnership with CultureCon, the world’s premier conference for Black and brown creatives welcoming over 12,000 attendees globally.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, CultureCon Founder Imani Ellis and her team have gifted 30 complimentary passes to Kickin It. This year’s CultureCon lineup features heavyweights across entertainment, media, and culture, including John Legend, Niecy Nash-Betts, Olandria Carthen, Mahershala Ali, Colin Kaepernick, and Daniel Kaluuya.
While these passes were traditionally reserved exclusively for Virgin Islands talent to help alleviate the financial load of traveling to New York, Kickin It is officially expanding eligibility this year. Creators from across the wider Caribbean region can now apply, further bridging access to global creative and professional opportunities.
Past recipients highlight the positive impact of the partnership:
“Events like CultureCon directly inspired us to build our own retreat,” said Kyra James Douglas, Founder of Kickin It. “Seeing past attendees gain critical business tools and renewed momentum proves why this bridge matters. Our mission is to bring those world-class resources, networks, and creative development spaces directly to our home. We are excited to honor Imani Ellis on-island for her incredible impact this October alongside an exceptional lineup of international, regional, and local leaders.”
Taking place October 16–19, 2026, at Long Bay Beach Resort, the Kickin It Retreat offers an intimate, high-value program tailored for multidisciplinary creators.
Creatives from the Virgin Islands interested in applying for one of the CultureCon passes, as well as individuals looking to secure tickets for the Kickin It Retreat, can apply and purchase directly at kickinitvi.com.
