What is Creative Exchange?

Creative Exchange is a growing initiative bringing creatives, entrepreneurs, and emerging professionals together through meaningful, skill-building experiences.

Our mission is simple:
Connect. Build. Grow.

Creative Exchange is presented by CREA8VILLE and Rumble Creative Studios, two organizations committed to strengthening Connecticut’s creative economy and expanding access to opportunity.

About Us

  • Brad Rumble & Karena Rumble-Carter

    Lead Photographer & Creative Director

    Brad brings 10+ years of professional photography experience, blending technical expertise with creative vision to produce compelling visual content for brands, creators, and real estate clients. As co-owner of Rumble Creative Studios and Brad Rumble Photography, he leads the studio’s visual direction and ensures an elevated experience for every shoot.

    Operations Strategist & Community Builder

    Karena is the strategic heart of Rumble Creative Studios, overseeing studio operations, scheduling, and client experiences to ensure a seamless and welcoming environment for creators. She brings a strong blend of project management leadership and creative entrepreneurship, with experience leading complex initiatives and building creative projects from concept to execution. Her work centers on creating spaces where creativity, strategy, and opportunity intersect.

  • Jonathan “Zaawadi” Kalema

    Creative & Strategic Partner

    Jonathan is a visionary creative strategist and community builder with a deep track record of connecting talent and opportunity across disciplines. He is the founder of Haus of VZN and CREA8VILLE, a creative network and directory connecting designers, filmmakers, stylists, and makers. His work explores the intersection of creativity, strategy, and purpose, fostering collaboration and meaningful growth across Connecticut’s creative community. He fuels conversations that sharpen vision and elevate creative impact.

Together, we are launching Creative Exchange to uplift Connecticut’s creative community.

Upcoming Events

Creative Exchange events take place throughout the year.

The Career Advancement Workshop February 2026

A speaker-led, panel-based experience designed to support career growth through shared insight and meaningful conversation.

  • Resume strategy and career positioning

  • Interview and hiring insights

  • Professional growth across creative industries

  • Curated networking and connection

This first event sets the foundation for Creative Exchange and future collaborations with partners, speakers, and community leaders.

Who it Serves

  • Creatives and freelancers building sustainable careers

  • Emerging professionals and career changers seeking direction

  • Entrepreneurs and small business owners growing their teams or skills

  • Employers and hiring managers engaging with creative talent

Get Involved With Creative Exchange

Creative Exchange is a collaborative initiative designed to support career development, community growth, and Connecticut’s creative economy through thoughtfully curated events. We bring together creatives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and community partners to create experiences rooted in connection, learning, and opportunity.

Whether you’re attending an event, contributing your expertise, or exploring partnership opportunities, Creative Exchange offers meaningful ways to engage with a purpose-driven, engaged audience.

Through Creative Exchange, participants and partners can expect:

  • Career & Creative Development
    Panels, workshops, and conversations focused on professional growth, creative collaboration, and real-world application.

  • Community-Centered Engagement
    Opportunities to connect with creatives, emerging professionals, entrepreneurs, and hiring leaders in an intentional, welcoming environment.

  • Targeted Visibility & Participation
    Engagement through event programming, digital promotion, and onsite experiences aligned with professional and creative audiences.

  • Early & Ongoing Involvement
    The chance to be part of a growing initiative and shape future Creative Exchange events and experiences.

  • Purpose-Driven Alignment
    A shared commitment to career readiness, professional growth, and long-term community impact.

Ways to Get Involved

Stay Connected
Be the first to hear about upcoming Creative Exchange events, announcements, and opportunities.

Get Event Updates

Collaborate With Us
Interested in partnering, leading a session, or contributing to future Creative Exchange events?

Explore Collaboration