ConFluence started in 2023 to give BIPOC artists a space to feel seen, inspired and connected. From Oct. 18-19, they offered workshops, panels, gaming and an art market run by local creatives.
For Adrian Lowe, a visual artist and designer from Bloomington, ConFluence is more than just fandom.
“It felt like family,” Lowe said.“Everyone was approachable, from the organizers to the panelists. You don’t really get that kind of intimacy at the big cons.”
Lowe first attended the convention as a guest before joining its board as a member of the social media and PR teams.
“It’s a space where you can just be yourself,” Lowe said. “If you love comics, games, or anything nerdy, you’ll find your people here.”
Lowe said ConFluence focuses on inclusion and intentionality, especially at a time when diversity initiatives face challenges nationwide.
“Spaces like this are really important, especially right now when DEI is kind of shaky territory,” Lowe said. “You don’t get a lot of that in Minnesota, so having something like ConFluence means a lot.”
As a creator, Lowe said what sets ConFluence apart is its focus on genuine connection and shared experience.
“The big cons are more about the big names,” Lowe said. “Here, it’s really about meeting people and having those personal panel discussions, workshops.”
Last year’s convention drew over 500 attendees, most identifying as BIPOC. This year’s event expanded with more gaming space and activities.
For Minnesota-based artist Kari Lee, ConFluence is a place that feels fresh and full of energy.
“I’ve been doing markets for a few years, and they can start to feel the same after a while,” Lee said. “Then ConFluence came around, and it was so different and unique.”
Lee creates tiny, joyful pieces of art, food-shaped magnets, fruit earrings and colorful stickers. She has been part of the convention since the first year.
“What they’re doing here is really special,” Lee said. “It’s been amazing to be invited back and to be around so many creative BIPOC artists.”
For Lee, the event is more than a market. She said she hopes more people will check it out next year.
“The world feels a little crazy right now,” Lee said. “So finding spaces where people come together, share what they love and support each other feels really important.”
Attendee Fortunata Hill said this was her first-ever convention, and it made a big impression.
“It’s really fun,” Hill said. “It’s so cool to see so many people of color in cosplay. When I see cons online, it’s usually a lot of white people, so this feels a lot more comfortable and safe.”
Hill said ConFluence stood out for its sense of inclusion and energy.
“You just feel like you belong here,” Hill said. “It’s been really cool to see so many diverse vendors all in one spot, they’re really supporting local artists.”
Lowe hopes the event continues to attract newcomers who want to explore their passions in a safe space.
“If you have anything you love to nerd out about, your favorite show, comic book, video game, come out and be yourself,” Lowe said. “This is one of the best spaces you can do that in.”
