Creating Play: Tiana’s Joyful Celebration

Recorded in New Orleans during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, this EduTalk explores how Walt Disney Imagineering collaborated with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis to bring Disney storytelling beyond traditional destinations and directly into communities. Featuring insights from Carmen Smith (SVP, Creative Development), Addi Gaash (Producer), and Kennedy Carter (Assistant Producer), of Walt Disney Imagineering; Stella Chase of the iconic Dooky Chase Restaurant; and Jennifer Pace Robinson (CEO/President), Sarah Myers (Director of Traveling Exhibitions), and Melissa Pederson (Manager of Exhibit Development), of The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, the session examines the creation of Tiana's Joyful Celebration, a first-of-its-kind traveling exhibition inspired by Princess Tiana and the legacy of Chef Leah Chase. Through the lenses of storytelling, play, authenticity, and community collaboration, attendees will discover how organizations can create meaningful, multigenerational experiences that meet audiences where they are, foster connection, and extend the reach of beloved stories beyond traditional venues.