Cultural analyst, writer, and educator

Amy Carleton, Ph.D.

I teach in the Comparative Media Studies/Writing program at MIT and am the co-founder of Black Notes Project, a Charlotte, NC-based music festival and nonprofit, and the creator of Lecture Notes, a public humanities series (and now Substack!).My research focuses on the behavioral economics of online communities and the intersection of race and digital culture. I am a recipient of the MIT Teaching With Digital Technology award. hold a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, and was selected by the WikiEducation Foundation as a Wikipedia Black History Scholar.Outside of academia, my writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, New York Magazine, The LA Review of Books, NPR, and others.My expertise spans the intersection of art and technology, with particular focus on the ethics of AI and its utility in creative and cultural contexts.Available for speaking, programming, and consulting.

let's collaborate.

work with me

My expertise spans the intersection of art and technology, with particular focus on AI and machine learning in creative and cultural contexts, as well as community engagement and knowledge equity.

let's make a plan.

strategic consulting

Strategic communication design and advisory services for organizations at the intersection of art, technology, culture, and community. Expertise in digital strategy, content development, and equity-centered approaches to cultural work.

communication and content strategy

I help organizations develop compelling narratives and communication strategies that center equity and authenticity. From content development to digital strategy, I work with clients to craft messaging that resonates across diverse audiences and platforms, particularly at the intersection of culture, technology, and social impact.

Program Development & Organizational Strategy

I partner with cultural institutions, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations to design programs and initiatives that bridge communities, amplify marginalized voices, and leverage technology for social good. My approach emphasizes sustainable, equity-centered frameworks that align with organizational values and community needs.

Let's design together.

Cultural Curation & Programming

Design and development of comprehensive cultural programs that blend art, music, scholarship, and community engagement. Experience includes multi-event programming for museums, festivals, and public institutions.

let's learn together.

workshops

Interactive sessions designed to engage participants in critical thinking around digital culture, community building, creative expression, and knowledge equity. Available in-person or remotely, customized for diverse audiences and organizational contexts.

Digital Culture & Technology Workshops

Interactive sessions exploring the intersection of race, technology, and digital culture. Topics include AI ethics, algorithmic bias, online community building, and the cultural implications of emerging technologies. Designed for universities, tech companies, and cultural organizations seeking to foster critical engagement with digital tools and platforms.

Art, Humanities & Knowledge Equity Workshops

Hands-on programs that use creative expression and cultural engagement as vehicles for community building and knowledge creation. Drawing on my work with cultural institutions and Wikipedia outreach, these workshops empower participants to document, preserve, and share underrepresented histories and narratives across art, literature, and public humanities.

writing & communication workshops

Writing-focused sessions that help participants craft compelling narratives, whether for personal expression, professional development, or public scholarship. From personal essays to op-eds to digital storytelling, these workshops support diverse voices in finding and refining their unique perspectives and styles.

Let's talk.

speaking

Keynote presentations and talks on topics including digital culture, race and technology, AI and machine learning in creative contexts, music culture, and knowledge equity. Available for conferences, universities, cultural institutions, and corporate events.

Let's convene.

Moderation & Facilitation

Expert facilitation of panel discussions, author conversations, and public dialogues with scholars, artists, and cultural leaders. Experience moderating high-profile events including discussions with award-winning artists, entertainers, and political figures.

let's work together

I synthesize scholarly rigor, creative vision, and community-centered practice to help organizations navigate the intersection of culture, technology, and social impact. From the conference stage to collaborative workshops to long-term strategic partnerships, I am committed to work that amplifies diverse voices and builds more equitable futures.
Get in touch to discuss how I can support your work.