AOI TEAM
We build unforgettable festivals. Meet the global collective of founders, producers, and specialists behind Art of Impact.
Experience matters.
With decades of award-winning festival experience, we guide entrepreneurs, cities, and lifestyle brands toward the summit of their festival potential. Whether you're developing a new idea or scaling a multi-day experience, we're with you every step of the way.
JK McKnight
Founder
Founder of the Forecastle Festival, which grew from 50 people to 75,000 and became one of America's most critically-acclaimed destination events. His festival generated over a billion dollars of statewide economic impact for KY, built an international reputation for Louisville, and fostered enduring community pride.
From grassroots to global, JK's festival development career spans 25 years. He has helped design, produce and consult world-class festivals, and his work has been profiled in Inc, Rolling Stone, Pollstar, Ted, Outside, and hundreds more. Today he leads Art of Impact: the world's only agency 100% dedicated to festival development.
Multiple Pollstar Award nominations for "Festival of the Year"
Named "Global Visionary" by the Worlds Affairs Council
Honored as "Southern of the Year" by Southern Living
400+ brand partnerships secured for festivals
Emily Pratte
Creative Producer
Emily has spent nearly two decades honing her skills in the festival and event industry. From festivals, multi-day destination conferences, nonprofit galas, civic events and more, she has successfully honed her skills in the Live Music Capital of the World; Austin, TX. Her track record has proven fruitful in leading clients to their defined success.
Global Collective
Festival specialists
Art of Impact has curated a global network of world-class, festival development experts — visionaries, strategists, designers, technologists, marketers and producers — to craft truly unforgettable experiences for our clients. From vision to venue, we partner with the best to elevate every phase of your festival.
Coming Soon: Meet our Global Collective
Our Clients
We work with entrepreneurs and cultural trailblazers, city tourism agencies, and lifestyle brands.
Festival Founders
Cities & Tourism
Brands & Agencies
Non-Profits
What They're Saying
Art of Impact are the best in the business — locally and nationally. They handle big ideas and gritty details, and make the process feel seamless for teams and attendees. I could write a dissertation on their excellence, but instead I'll just say: they're the right partner for YOU.
Louisville Public Media, Louisville KY
AOI = ROI
In today's experience economy, attention is the currency. We help festivals capture it, amplify it, and convert it into tangible business outcomes—from first announcement to sold-out gates.
Built by producers for producers
Trusted by founders, cities, and global brands
Proven at every stage — from vision to venue, idea to acquisition
Backed by decades of award-winning festival design and producing
Take your festival to the next stage
Schedule a free discovery call with our team. We’ll assess where you are, where you want to go, and exactly how we can help you get there.