Special Section: Maine's Creative Economy

Hitting the road: Eight regional forums inform conference content and structure

It's a big idea.

It has the potential to transform the economic landscape. And throughout 2003, it traveled to communities throughout Maine.

Pre-conference regional forums around the state helped create excitement and generate discussions about the upcoming Blaine House Conference on Maine's Creative Economy.

The forums were used as part of the conference discovery process. During the presentation, attendees brought forward issues that the conference will address. Major concerns of economic development professionals, educators, artists and entrepreneurs created candid and insightful discussion that led to further refinement and development of sessions to specifically address major topics.

And, the attendees did not pull any punches:

"Artists move in, change a run-down neighborhood into a great place and then get driven out when the rents go up. What are we going to do about that?" - Saco

"This is really exciting in terms of economic development, but is it sustainable?" - Lewiston

"How does education fit into the plan? Are the schools and colleges on board?" - Portland

At each of the forums, the excitement surrounding the Creative Economy concept grew as people gained a deeper understanding of the underlying concept and opportunities. The presenters, drawn from the steering committee, provided key concepts and language that framed the overall discussion. They then guided the discussion that followed without leading the audience to any predetermined outcomes. The results were powerful insights into the immediate and long-term needs of local communities, the available and potential resources and the very different opportunities for cultural, creative and entrepreneurial development around the state.

The concepts of Creative Workforce, Creative Communities and Creative Clusters were explained in detail with local examples of entrepreneurs, organizations and some insights into the cluster concept as it applies to Maine. These key concepts provide the basis for the conference sessions and help to define the discussion in actionable areas that intersect to form the creative core where development explodes.

A period of open discussion followed the presentation and a viewing of the influential documentary film on the transformation of North Adams, Massachusetts, Downside Up, helped create a real buzz in the room.

At several meetings, economic development professionals and artists were seen in deep discussion - in some cases, clearly for the first time. The close interconnection between cultural and creative forces and economic development gained new voices and new advocates.

With attendance for the Blaine House Conference on Maine's Creative Economy limited to 600, it was remarkable to note that nearly 400 people attended the pre-conference meetings, including guests from Colorado and Illinois who brought additional insights to the comments from their out-of-state perspective.

Based on the regional discussions, the conference has taken shape. Richard Florida will serve up his vision of the Creative Economy and describe how Maine communities can "get it" and thrive by linking art, culture, commerce and community.