Special Section: Blaine House Conference Wrap-Up
What's next for Maine's Creative Economy?
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Governor Baldacci with keynote speaker Richard Florida.
Photo by Robert Mitchell. |
Some recommendations from the small working group discussions at the Blaine House Conference Maine's Creative Economy
Prepared by Dr. Craig Dreeszen
The participants at the Blaine House Conference on Maine's Creative Economy divided into 21 smaller working groups to develop recommendations
to advance Maine's creative economic development. Here are some of the common themes that emerged from those discussions.
EDUCATION AND ADVOCACY ARE ESSENTIAL
Advocacy is required to make the Creative Economy better understood among economic development agencies, legislators, state and local business
support organizations, institutions of higher education, and financial institutions.
ARTS EDUCATION IS THE BASIS OF A CREATIVE ECONOMY
Erosion of K-12 arts education undermines the creative workforce that is fundamental to Maine's successful competition in a global economy.
In a Creative Economy, every child needs arts education as much as math and science.
IDENTIFY EXISTING RESOURCES AND MAP MAINE'S CREATIVE ECONOMY
Mapping Maine's creative sector may help make this economic cluster more visible and more valued. Artists and creative entrepreneurs need to
join chambers of commerce and approach small business development organizations. The business support infrastructure needs to adapt to the
creative cluster.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SHOULD INCORPORATE THE CREATIVE ECONOMY
State and municipal plans should be adapted to incorporate Maine's creative economic resources. Creative businesses need help developing
sound business plans.
POLITICAL SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL
Top state and municipal officials must visibly support creative economic development and all departments must support the vision.
CULTURAL TOURISM MUST MATCH LOCAL CULTURE
Tourism development must be based on local culture to remain authentic and attractive. Local cultural attractions need help to market within
and outside their local communities.
MARKET MAINE'S CREATIVE ECONOMY
The products and services of Maine's Creative Economy must be marketed internationally to compete in the global economy. Maine needs
information technology infrastructure and training to communicate and market on the Internet.
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC CREATIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDS ARE NEEDED
Many of the recommended initiatives require funding. Maine needs a range of funding options and a Maine Creative Economy Fund.
STATEWIDE LEADERSHIP AND COORDINATION ARE ESSENTIAL
The growing interest in Maine's Creative Economy should be sustained with state-level leadership and partnerships to mobilize the public and
private resources necessary to build and sustain the initiative.
PARTNERSHIPS AND NETWORKS ARE NEEDED
Maine will build its Creative Economy through state and local-level partnerships. At the local level, government, business, education,
cultural organizations, and artists can encourage each other's contributions to cultural, community, and economic development. Artists,
creative workers, and creative businesses seek opportunities to network, to learn from one another's, and to employ each other's services.
PUBLIC POLICIES ARE NEEDED TO PROTECT CIVIL RIGHTS
To keep and attract essential creative workers and businesses, Maine requires policies and practices that promote tolerance.
A full report on the working groups' recommendations is expected by the end of the summer.
