Apples and Oranges Arts

12/12/2025

Spark Tank: hosted by Apples and Oranges Arts and Forward Global

Live on YouTube Tuesday, December 16 at 10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST

https://www.youtube.com/live/_fpuBlOappE

Apples and Oranges Arts, in partnership with Forward Global, proudly announces Spark Tank. A live-streamed pitch competition for participants in Round 2 of StorIAccelerator, a groundbreaking accelerator program empowering creators worldwide to ignite social impact through narrative.

Selected from an international pool of applicants, this year’s Round 2 participants represent a diverse cohort of storytellers, shaping narratives that address urgent issues spanning environmental sustainability, social equity, community empowerment, technology, and the future of our shared planet.

Round 2 brings together exceptional creators for intensive mentorship, research support, emerging technology exploration, and expert-led seminars. The second phase of the three-part program supports participants in deepening their story concepts and refining their impact strategies while preparing to pitch their projects to investors, entrepreneurs, producers and executives including Pat Blute, Chad Dyer, Sandy Herz, Renee Kaplan, Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Judy Manocherian, Jonathan Sun and Ivan Williams as they compete for cash awards.

A global community of purpose-driven storytellers, the Round 2 cohort includes projects from Byron Au Yong (FOREST AETERNAM), Jo Catell (INVISIBLE), Samir Daher (THE SAPHE COMMUNITY), Lilan Dayananda, Ishara Sandaruwan, Pankajan Satkunam, and Tharindu Priyankara (PRECISION AGRICULTURE TRANSITION), Yemi Akinyemi Dele (UNTITLED), Dina Gregory (ANIMAL ELECTIONS), Stacy Kray (LOVE THE STRUGGLE), Andrea Lirio (BLINK), Ritz Mpindi (A BURNING HEART), James Thomas Terhemba (TED EVERGREEN), Chris Valenti, Nick Alverson and Hannah Gansert (OCEAN BRIES), Mike von der Nahmer and Anita Dawn Prestidge (RIVERS TALKING WITH WATER) and Chantale Zuzi (BECOMING POSSIBLE).

“StorIAccelerator encourages creators to blend the magic of story and the power of technology to change the world,” said Pamela Winslow Kashani, Co-founder of Apples and Oranges Arts. “We are thrilled to debut this extraordinary global cohort whose infectious enthusiasm and inspiring stories have the potential to amplify hope for all of us.”

Mentors for Round 2 of StorIAccelerator include Matt Conover, Paul Gordon, Gretchen Hartley, Maggie Nielson, Cher Nobles, Einar Saevarsson, Jim Scheinman, Kyle Wright and Jason Yotopoulos.

Round 2 participants will have the opportunity to advance to Round 3, a hybrid seven-week residency beginning January 12, 2026, culminating in a live presentation at the Forward Global Annual Summit in Whistler, British Columbia.

Live on YouTube December 16, 2025 at 10:00am PST / 1:00pm EST

https://www.youtube.com/live/_fpuBlOappE

Apples and Oranges Arts, in partnership with Forward Global, proudly announces Spark Tank. A live-streamed pitch competition for participants in Round 2 of ...

12/03/2025

Been a great two days discussing the "how" and "what" of story. Tomorrow we get into the "why" and the use of the Heroine's Journey as a compass. Here's a clip that highlights the power of story to change the world (and it's about women): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRugG67jF6-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

12/01/2025

Today we begin Round 2 of StorIAccelerator. This cohort steps into a season of clarity, growth, and momentum. I can’t wait to watch how each of them evolves over the coming weeks.

11/19/2025

THEatre ACCELERATOR alumni Ian Williams and Lauren Marshall will be presenting a reimagined version of their musical Fixing Einstein from Nov 18th-23rd in a developmental workshop by Theatre of Possibility (TOP) in Seattle. Check it out if you're in the area this week!

More info and tickets available at https://www.uheightscenter.org/upcoming-events/top-fe-1118

11/14/2025

Congratulations to THEatre ACCELERATOR alum Jay Alan Zimmerman on the concert premiere of "Songs for Hands on a Thursday" at Prospect Musicals on November 15th and 16th! Check it out if you're in the NYC area this week!

Prospect Musicals will present the theatrical song cycle by Deaf composer Jay Alan Zimmerman.

10/27/2025

We’re kicking off Day 1 of StorIAccelerator today at 10am! If you’re an early bird, there’s still a chance to sign up 🐦‍⬛

We’re so excited to share more about the program and everyone’s creative journeys throughout the week - stay tuned for much more to come 🍏🍊

10/19/2025

Welcome (back) to Apples and Oranges!

We’re relaunching our Instagram with a fresh handle and a renewed mission: empowering storytellers to spark change through art, tech, and humanity.

Here, you’ll find:
🌍 Opportunities to grow your creative impact
🚀 Stories from inspiring mentors and creators
✨ Updates from our newest program, StorIAccelerator

If you followed us before, we're glad to see you again! If you’re new here, welcome to the community.🍏🍊

Let’s create the future of storytelling together.

🔗 Applications for StorIAccelerator are now live! Visit this link to learn more: https://luma.com/4akkc1zl

10/19/2025

Big stories can change the world — and we’re here to help you tell yours.

StorIAccelerator gives creators the tools, mentorship, and support to bring positive and powerful stories to life. Whether your medium is stage, screen, podcast, or beyond… this is your launchpad.

🔗 Applications are open now! Learn more at this link: https://luma.com/4akkc1zl