About Janera Solomon

Creative Practice and Sustainability

Janera Solomon explores the emotional and structural architectures of creative work, drawing from her experience as an artist, writer, and founder [6][7][11][18]. She discusses sustaining an artistic practice over time, highlighting the balance between work and art, the power of financial literacy, and making something useful [7]. In talks like 'Making a Creative Practice, Sustaining a Career' at Pratt Institute, she addresses challenges artists face in resisting change while building viable careers [2][6].

Leadership and Keynote Speaking

As a transformative leader, Solomon has delivered keynotes such as 'The Art of Work' at the 2026 National Conference and University of Pittsburgh's Cross-Disciplinary Conference [1][3][4]. Her leadership roles include Executive Director at Kelly Strayhorn Theater, where she shared 'Highly Opinionated Hot Picks' on music and arts events [9][12], and founder/CEO of ARTPOWER, Inc. [3][4]. She is recognized as a young Black leader in Pittsburgh's cultural scene [13].

Cultural Strategy and Moderation

Solomon moderates panels on infrastructure for cultural workers, from grassroots to grasstops, including discussions on equitable development and social practice [5][14][15][17]. Her cultural strategy work involves planning curricula for artists, hosting conferences, and blogging on art's role in placemaking and social equity [2][8][15][16]. She reflects on ArtPlace America and brighter futures through cross-sector creative placemaking [15][16].

Arts and Community Impact

Deeply embedded in Pittsburgh's arts ecosystem, Solomon led Kelly Strayhorn Theater during racial equity events and hosted National Performance Network conferences [8][10][13]. She advocates for inclusive, sustainable cities, emphasizing art's role in community transformation [10][13]. Her personal blog 'field-notes' covers truth-telling, art and social practice, and ideas on work [17].

Entrepreneurship and Cross-Disciplinary Work

As founder/CEO of ARTPOWER, Solomon connects arts with climate/energy, finance/investing, design, music/arts, and entrepreneurship [bio][3][4]. Her CreativeMornings talk positions her as a transformative leader in these intersections [1].