The Vegas Creative Network: The Artistic Pulse of Las Vegas

The Vegas Creative Network Founder Gaia Speaks dives into creating TVCN and some of the projects that have came to life because of it.

The Vegas Creative Network (TVCN) has rapidly become a cornerstone for creatives in Las Vegas, offering a voice, a platform, and a community for artists of all mediums. Since its inception in April 2023, TVCN has grown from a spontaneous idea into a thriving cultural hub. What began as a simple networking event, sparked by a passing suggestion to Gaia Speaks—then a video editor—has evolved into something much more significant. The Early Days Gaia Speaks’ journey into the creative world started long before TVCN. Her career began in middle school, K.O. Knudson. Known as a performing arts school, Knudson served as an introduction to TV production. Speaks briefly learned the elements to writing a story, shooting on a camera, and anchoring on the school news. She continued her studies in high school, where she took on roles as a director, anchor, and writer. For four years, she and her classmates roamed the Vegas Valley, to capture true stories that the students and teachers at Bishop Gorman would enjoy. Inspired by the CBS News segment “Everybody Has a Story,” conceived by CBS News in 2000. Speaks’ teacher Joe Barbara introduced this TV segment to the class, and inspired an environment that ran like a professional news station. Joe Barbara, a performer in Jersey Boys on the Strip, brought his storytelling flair into the classroom, planting seeds that would influence Speaks’s path. He specifically told her ways to improve her speech, how to dress better for the camera, and overall how to enjoy herself in the process of production. The concept of uncovering hidden stories—of ordinary people living extraordinary lives—shaped Speak’s vision for TVCN. After high school, she pursued journalism, driven by the belief that every creative deserves to have their story told. Building a Legacy TVCN’s impact on the local creative scene was solidified with the production of A Summer in Vegas, a short film written and directed by Speaks. The film shed light on a pressing issue in Las Vegas: the challenges within the education system. Based on true events, the story follows Meadows, a UNLV student oblivious to the teacher protests happening outside as she focuses on her finals. The protests depicted in the film mirrored real-life events, showcasing the struggles of educators fighting for fair pay and resources. Premiering at the 2023 Desert Muse award ceremony, A Summer in Vegas set a precedent for TVCN’s mission to use film as a medium for social commentary. The Desert Muse, an event dedicated to celebrating Las Vegas creatives, became a launchpad for the network’s growing influence. Collaborations and New Horizons One of TVCN’s most memorable collaborations came through Zuri Cong, a dancer featured in A Summer in Vegas. Cong later teamed up with Speaks to create the dance short film GTF Out My House!, an empowering piece featuring a diverse cast of women exuding strength and confidence. TVCN’s reach continued to expand as it nurtured young talent like Cody Dades, a 19-year-old abstract filmmaker whose projects Open Waters and the soon-to-be-released Strano were produced by the network. Open Waters premiered at Taverna Costera, a vibrant hotspot for creatives in the city. Other collaborations included Jaden Morelli, whose film DeadLine featured Speaks as an actor alongside Rex, a prominent figure in the Vegas creative scene. These partnerships highlight TVCN’s commitment to fostering connections and elevating local talent. A Year of Milestones By the end of 2024, TVCN had firmly established itself as a cultural force. One notable achievement was its sponsorship of The First Friday Movie, an independent feature film that premiered at the Beverly Theater. The event, spearheaded by Jawsh Ojeda and Rexfromvegas, featured two sold-out showings, further cementing TVCN’s reputation as a vital supporter of the arts. TVCN concluded the year with Stuck on Earth, a sequel to A Summer in Vegas. The film follows Meadows as an adult, grappling with homelessness while pursuing her artistic dreams. Premiering once again at the Desert Muse, the film underscored the network’s commitment to addressing real-life issues through storytelling. Looking Ahead As TVCN enters its third year, its role in the Vegas creative scene has never been more crucial. With industries like commercial film and sports gaining momentum in the city, art is poised to take center stage. TVCN aims to be the bridge that connects creatives, preserves the culture, and ensures that Las Vegas becomes synonymous with artistic innovation. The Vegas Creative Network is more than just an organization—it’s a movement. Through media, events, and collaborations, TVCN is shaping the future of art in Las Vegas. For those looking to invest in the city’s creative culture, the time is now. The Vegas Creative Network stands ready to lead the charge, celebrating the stories that make Las Vegas a vibrant tapestry of talent and resilience.