Special Section: Maine's Creative Economy

Maine's Individual Artists Make Vital Contributions to a Creative Economy

Blaine House Conference on the Creative Economy: A Steering Committee Member's Viewpoint

Cynthia Thompson

What do the Olympics, Mercedes Benz, Z.Z. Top and the Academy Awards have in common? They have all used a creative firm from Gorham, Maine, to transform their events into visually stunning and memorable spectacles. Transformit, Inc., designs and creates fabric structures and components for clients all over the globe. Transformit has grown from one individual artist to a team of over 50 stitchers, designers, sculptors, metalworkers, artists, installation engineers and other creative employees. President, founder and Maine artist, Cynthia Thompson, shares her unique perspective on the Creative Economy with MaineArtsMag readers.

"When I first came to Portland in 1985, it was tough to be an artist in Maine. I moved into a ware-house where I went to work starting my company. I was relatively isolated and had no idea where to go for help. At the time, there was no organization of artists I could use for advice or to find access to the resources I needed.

I went to the Small Business Administration (SBA) first and then from bank to bank, but it took six years for me to find anyone willing to give me a business loan. They just didn't get what I was trying to do. I needed help but I didn't even know where to look for it.

The Creative Economy will mean that no Maine artist will have to struggle that way again. The programs will elevate the visibility of artists in our community and build an awareness of their vital contribution to both our local and state economies. Fine artists will have access to support services, help finding affordable housing and cluster communities of other artists with whom they can confer. And artists such as me, who choose the entrepreneurial path, will have help starting their companies, getting loans and becoming educated as to the many facets of owning and operating a business.

The end result will be a network, rather than being isolated and alone. Artists will feel connected both with other artists and with their communities. This connection will foster new ideas, which in turn will create even more opportunities for Maine artists. In time, artists will seek Maine as a place where they know their contributions will be valued. And, we will all finally get the recognition we deserve - as key components of strong, thriving communities."

Maine artist, Cynthia Thompson, is president and founder of Transformit Inc., a company that designs and produces tension fabric structures and components for clients in the trade show, retail, interior, museum and display industries. Learn more about Transformit, Inc., at www.transformitdesign.com.