Amanda Williams Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Amanda Williams is an acclaimed visual artist known for her thought-provoking work exploring themes of race, color, and urban spaces. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, her upbringing in the city's vibrant South Side greatly influenced her artistic journey. Her education began with a degree in architecture from Cornell University, which would become a vital foundation for her unique artistic perspective. Williams' work elegantly blurs the line between art and architecture. Her most notable project, "Color(ed) Theory," gained widespread recognition for transforming abandoned houses in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood using vivid hues. Each color choice was deliberate, representing societal and personal associations within the African American community. This celebrated series challenged viewers to confront perceptions of color, race, and community decay, earning her a place in the 2015 Chicago Architecture Biennial. In addition to her independent work, Amanda Williams has exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and even internationally at the Venice Architecture Biennale. Her pieces often provoke dialogue about the built environment and its socio-political impact on communities, merging artistic beauty with critical reflection. Williams is not only an artist but also a committed educator and advocate for inclusivity in design and architecture. She frequently engages in public speaking, workshops, and lectures, sharing her insights and inspiring the next generation of thinkers. Her contributions earned her a Creative Capital Award and, most recently, a fellowship with the MacArthur Foundation in 2022, acknowledging her as a visionary artist and cultural commentator. Through her work, Amanda Williams continues to redefine the boundaries of visual art and architecture. Her career remains a testament to the power of creative expression in addressing deep-rooted societal issues. As a keynote speaker, she offers rich perspectives on creativity, identity, and the transformative potential of art in the urban landscape.