The Creative Challenge (2026)
Creative talent alone is no longer enough.
Today’s artists, designers, and thinkers are expected to articulate value, make strategic decisions, and communicate ideas in ways that resonate beyond the studio or classroom.
The Creative Challenge is a workshop designed specifically for FAA and LAS students who want to understand how creative work fits into today’s entrepreneurial and professional landscape without requiring a business background.
Participants learn core business concepts in a way that is directly relevant to creative practice, then apply them through a guided challenge focused on execution and storytelling in a real world context. Rather than abstract theory, the program emphasizes how ideas are shaped, positioned, and evaluated outside academic settings.
This is an opportunity to:
Translate creative thinking into language employers, collaborators, and audiences understand
Gain exposure to entrepreneurial frameworks without committing to a business major
Build confidence navigating interdisciplinary and professional environments
Priority registration is reserved for FAA and LAS students, with remaining spots open to all UIUC students. Interdisciplinary participation is encouraged—but this program is intentionally designed with creatives and thinkers at its core.
Do you have an idea for an event? Join one of our teams!
The IABC is a new and growing organization, and the Events Team plays a central role in shaping its programming and direction. Team members help plan and execute speaker events and workshops while building the systems and processes that will define IABC’s future.
This role is ideal for students who want ownership, leadership responsibility, and hands-on experience building professional-facing events from the ground up.
Apply to help build IABC’s events infrastructure and set the standard for future programming.