HATCH Asheville is back, bigger and better than ever. Developed to inspire, mentor, and network, HATCH, April 14–17, is a creative brainstorming festival for multiple artistic disciplines including film, design/technology, music, architecture, and journalism.

Along with a new logo and a new website, there is a new focus at this year’s event. Organizers are emphasizing the importance of ‘hatching” action from the ideas developed at HATCH. Pulling top professionals from each category, aspiring photographers, writers, musicians, and media and film students are encouraged to go beyond their comfort zones as they work with these professional mentors.

Groundbreaking photographers Sylvia Plachy and Gerald Slota will be on hand to help up-and-coming photography students, Sonia Hendrix of Push Productions will guide and inspire young fashionistas on design and marketing, and Doug Heckler along with mentors Blain Brownell, Elite Kedan, and Jorge Raedó will handle the architect category.

Social media and gaming visionary Brett McCall will lead the design and technology team, and Sean O’Connell is the head of the music group. Filmmakers from Withoutabox will help students dissect the creative process and young writers will get expert advice from Jeff Chu, Tim Windsor, and Jody Evans.

Tickets to HATCH events are available in two formats: HATCH PACKS are $55 per person and include six film tickets, two networking party tickets, and one all-access pass to presentations and panels. HATCH PANEL PASSES are $25 and provide unlimited access to all panels and presentations at the Innovators Lounge. Quantities and seating are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.