Deep Culture in Nashville

Deep Culture, the non-profit initiative of Deep Tropics Music Art & Style Festival, has helped pioneer a sustainability-first ethos within the festival and beyond. From renewable energy initiatives and reusable cup programs, to planting nearly 100,000 fruit-bearing trees and zero waste initiatives, their commitment to the planet shines bright. They’ve successfully diverted the majority of festival waste from landfills and achieved remarkable diversion rates as high as 96%.

Today, they are thrilled to announce an impressive lineup of speakers for the inaugural Sustainability Summit (August 15) who are respected leaders in their fields, each bringing a unique perspective on sustainability and social innovation. It is sponsored by Deep Tropics and is produced in collaboration with Tonya Lewis of Wonderful People Microfarm and Roxanna Shohadaee of HabRitual and Design Science Studio. Elixirs will be provided by The Alchemist Apothecary and seasonal bites hors d’oeuvres by Joy Holistic.

“This summit aims to illuminate social innovation, encouraging greater Nashville to adopt holistic practices, creating a healthier future for all. A key concept of Deep Culture is that caring for the earth is connected to caring for yourself and your community. This first annual summit is designed to foster a culture of collective stewardship for generations to come.” – Joel Atchison (Deep Tropics x Deep Culture Co-Founder)

TOPICS:
Food / Farming, Human / Planetary Health:
• Carol Ziegler, a Climate & Health Specialist from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will share insights on the intersection of food, human and planetary health.
• Tonya Lewis, Executive Director of Wonderful People Microfarm, and Kristina Villa, Co-Executive Director of Farmers Land Trust, will discuss sustainable agriculture and community farming initiatives.
• Frederick Cawthon, President of the Tennessee Hemp Alliance, will highlight the potential of hemp as a sustainable resource.

Circular Economy/Compostable Future
• Jenn Harrman, Zero Waste Program Manager at Metro Nashville Waste Services, will start with an overview of our current recycling structure and waste landscape along with the compost pilot update and results.
• Senator Heidi Campbell, representing Tennessee’s 20th District, will speak on waste management and policy. With her extensive experience in public service and dedication to environmental issues, Senator Campbell will provide valuable insights into legislative efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability in Tennessee. The conversation will be moderated by Maris Masellis of Tennessee Environmental Council.

Sustainability Cross Sector Collaboration:
• Alixa García is an internationally-renowned, award-winning social justice artist, she is globally recognized for her work in Climbing PoeTree, a spoken word, hip-hop, and world music duo. Touring the globe, García has presented and performed at the The United Nations, T.E.D: Ideas Worth Spreading; on the main stage at Lightning in a Bottle, Eclipse, and Symbiosis music festivals; and In 2016 she performed on the main stage at the Women’s March for over 500K people on the streets of Washington D.C., a performance televised to millions world-wide.
• Kendra Abkowitz, Senior Director of Sustainability and Resilience in the Mayor’s Office, will speak on urban sustainability initiatives in Nashville.

The Built Environment:
• Keith Louiseau, University Architect and Director of Design and Construction at Vanderbilt University, will offer insights on sustainable building practices.
• Justin Koziol, a senior living community leader, and Jacob Waddell, President of the Hemp Alliance, will discuss the future of sustainable living and the hemp industry.
• Also speaking will be Katie Poss, an Energy and Sustainability Specialist.

The Music Industry
• Mike DuCharme, Regional Vice President of AEG Presents, will cover innovative solutions in energy management and event sustainability.
• Blake and Joel Atchison will be joining the conversation to share from their experience of making sustainability a core value of Deep Tropics. “This year we are excited to host our first sustainability summit with world class speakers and thought leaders on Thursday, August 15 prior to the festival weekend! This is the next step toward our long-term vision of Deep Tropics transforming into a week-long conference that takes over the entire city. Think SXSW, Art Basel, Miami Music Week, & ADE with a focus on regenerative design & wellness surrounded by amazing parties!” – Blake Atchison (Deep Tropics Co-Founder)

About Deep Culture:
The Deep Tropics team created the 501(c)3 Deep Culture, Inc to harness the power and inspiration of the music industry as a catalyst for cultural and social change. Deep Culture’s mission is to curate experiences that activate transformation of Self, Community, and Planet. Deep Culture facilitates experiences and events such as retreats, immersions, and workshops that cultivate pathways for awakening, healing, collaboration, and community building.

About Deep Tropics:
Deep Tropics is produced by forward-thinking, dance music enthusiasts at Full Circle Presents. The creative site and stage designs will take the energy to stratospheric levels. The one-of-a-kind amphitheater in the park ensures every viewpoint is perfect with a beautiful downtown skyline view in the backdrop. It will host the massive, ancient temple inspired stage called “Meru” dedicated to house music, a bass music focused stage called “Lotus” and a third performance space known as the “Congo Soundsystem”. Intricate lasers, choreographed audio & visual and art installs will illuminate the park. The venue is less than a mile from downtown Nashville, and some of the city’s coolest districts.