If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll know that Amplify This was created to support individual artists who seek a compelling path, reinventing themselves as powerful, transformative, Citizen Artists - making music, creating art, that matters.
Yes Engine Sessions are our collective game of thought designed to shake up the creative brain space, a sort of Think Tank per se.
In-person, hybrid, and digital-first presentations and collaborations are part of a new reality for us all, and sometimes the whole thing can feel overwhelming. Y.E.S. events call forth conversations around activating possibility, circumventing resistance, and stimulating creativity, while providing multiple opportunities for new connections and ongoing conversation.
“Isabelle and Todd opened my mind to the possibility of being able to be a successful artist on my terms and without compromising my most deeply held principles. Before I met them, I felt like there were standards I needed to reach and approval I needed to gain in order to be successful. Now I feel like I set my own standards and my success does not depend on someone else’s approval. ”
Yes Engine Sessions are FREE, 2 hour gatherings where participants come together virtually. When you join a session you:
Enter into a facilitated conversation and connect with 10 hand-picked creative artists from multiple disciplines and points in their careers
Discover what it means to take control of your path and say Yes! to yourself
Understand that more choice and power is available to individual artists today than ever before as we move forward in this unique time and put our institutions in perspective
Leave with at least one transformative thought or event to shoot you forward
Understand why we’re so fired up about ‘citizen artists,’ and why we think pivoting to this role is critical for any artist who want to lead a fulfilling life
Learn HOW to put yourself on the path of designing your life instead of reacting to it
When endeavoring to discover, unveil, or create something fiercely personal and unique, there is often a level of resistance that might make it hard to take risks or push through paralysis alone.
That resistance is what Yes Engines are designed to explore, and that's what XLab (linked here), our larger, longer program is intended to transform in the most personalized fashion.
Resistance ends up morphing into strength, power, direction, and action.
“The discussions around the idea of community have also given me much food for thought - the conversation in the breakout room brought up a number of new ways for me to think about a few things I’ve been pondering for a while.
Maybe future Yes Engine sessions should come with a warning: participation may not be conducive to getting a good night’s sleep afterwards - there’s a strong possibility you’ll be awake for hours (as I was), your head spinning with ideas :-)”
Spots have been filling up fast and we are so humbled and inspired by the response to this program.
It confirms to us that programs like this are welcomed and needed right now.
Yes Engine Sessions are FREE, and limited to 10 participants per session, and some sessions are already full.
If you would like to sign up we welcome you to do so ASAP to reserve a spot in a Y.E.S. event that works for you.
*The updated schedule is on the registration form.
We’re always on the hunt for like-minded creatives. If you know any other candidates for us to consider, please forward this webpage to them!
Note that these Zoom meetings will not be published nor broadcast - they are personal to the group, and we’ll retain recordings only for special requests of our participants.
“As an introvert I LOVE deep conversations with small groups of people but it can be hard to GET there. Todd and Isabelle created the framework so we could dive right in and get to the good stuff fast and it was inspiring!” ”
FAQ’s
(click the question for the answer)
+ Do I have to be a musician to participate?
No, you don't. Yes Engines are inclusive and we welcome creative artists in all disciplines.
+ Why are you offering these sessions for FREE?
We want to start a movement! Imagine a collective of kick ass artists who march forward into this new time with strength, power, courage, and authority, not to mention realizing powerful projects that serve the greater community.
We have a bigger program that is starting in June 2021. It's called XLab and it is very similar to Yes Engines. It's a long term commitment and a financial investment and we understand that it is not possible or feasible for everyone to join.
This is why we have created Yes Engines. It's a way for us to offer some of the same opportunities without some of the barriers so we can keep the conversation flowing for everyone.
We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to convene in a supportive environment designed to open up each person's ideas about what's possible.
Everyone contributes and everyone transforms.
+ Can I come to more than one Yes Engine Session?
Absolutely! As long as there is space we welcome you to be a part of any Y.E.S event that fits your schedule. However, keep in mind, we might prioritize new members in the schedule.
+ Where can I find the schedule of Yes Engine Sessions?
At the end of the registration form (linked here) we ask for your availability and include a list of Yes Engine Sessions that are currently available.
+ If I cannot make my scheduled session can I just watch the recording on my own time?
Yes Engine Sessions are participatory workshops that depend on the engagement and conversation of each participant in real time. Not only do we require attendance, you won't be able to be a "fly on the wall", sit back and just listen. Sorry mom!
If that scares you we strongly encourage you to push through your fear and sign up anyway. Seriously. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone’s voice and ideas will be heard, considered, and embraced, as long as sentiments are not harmful or violent.
The sessions will be recorded, but NOT distributed to anyone who did not participate in the session and will only be available to participants by request.
If you cannot attend your scheduled session we ask that you cancel your session using the link at the bottom of your confirmation email as soon as you know you can't make it so we can offer your spot to someone on the waiting list.
If you cancel and would like to reschedule simply email Isabelle at izholmes@gmail.com and she will find another session that fits your schedule.
+ Can I bring a friend with me?
Absolutely! We are always on the hunt for like-minded creatives. To participate they must be registered, so feel free to forward this webpage or the registration form (linked here) to anyone you know who might be interested in participating. We thank you for not sharing the Zoom link with anyone who is not registered for a session.