When and Where is the Lab?

The Blackbird Creative Lab has traveled to some incredible locations over the years, each offering a unique environment to inspire creativity and exploration.

• 2017-2018: Besant Hill School (Ojai, CA)
  Nestled in the mountains of Ojai, the Besant Hill School provided a serene and inspiring backdrop for the Lab's immersive experience. Surrounded by natural beauty, this location encouraged deep thought, collaboration, and connection.

• 2023-2024: Yerkes Observatory (Williams Bay, WI)
  In 2023 and 2024, The Blackbird Creative Lab took place at the historic Yerkes Observatory, located 90 miles northwest of Chicago, in the tranquil town of Williams Bay, WI. Often called the “birthplace of modern astrophysics,” Yerkes is a site of inquiry, imagination, and groundbreaking scientific discovery. The observatory is home to the world’s largest refracting telescope, which remains a testament to human curiosity and ingenuity. For more information about Yerkes Observatory, please visit Yerkes Observatory.

• 2025: The Eyrie Festival, Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture (Chicago, IL)
  The main event of the 2025 Lab cycle, the Eyrie Festival, will be held at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture in Chicago, IL. This dynamic venue provides a perfect setting for creative immersion, dialogue, and performance. The Athenaeum Center’s mission to support arts and culture aligns beautifully with the Lab's ethos. For more details about the Athenaeum Center, visit their website.