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Summer 2006 Issue

Using perspective to recognize accomplishments:
A Message from John M. Rohman, Chair

John M. Rohman, Chair Rebecca Swanson Conrad, Vice Chair Executive Committee John M. Rohman, Bangor Rebecca Swanson Conrad, Auburn Rich Abramson, Readfield Katy Kline, Brunswick Jeffrey McKeen, Freedom Lee Sharkey, Vienna Donald Sharland, Saco Lynn Thompson, Boothbay Rebecca Welsh, Rumford At-Large Members Joseph Donald Cyr, Lille-sur-St-Jean Hugh French, Eastport David Greenham, Monmouth Lee Griswold, Auburn Victoria M. Hershey, Portland Sheila Jans, Madawaska Noah Keteyian, Rockland Mark Miller, Waterville Linda Nelson, Stonington Stuart Nudelman, Ogunquit Mark C. Scally, East Millinocket Jessica Tomlinson, Portland

I just reviewed the Creative Economy Council year one report, so that’s on the “top of my head” this morning. Sometimes I think you need to take a step back to see where you have been, using that perspective to recognize accomplishments. As artists, this is certainly a familiar process.

I am extremely proud of the Creative Economy Council. The member backgrounds are diverse–from bankers to educators to artists. Likewise, the discussion topics have been just as broad. Thankfully, through the skills of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center at the University of Maine and the Maine Arts Commission, the final report has captured our past hard work and future ambitions very well.

Not surprising to anyone who reads this newsletter, the arts play a significant role in this work. Although many of you will see the actual report, I want to give you an “executive summary” of the “executive summary.”

First, the five core strategies for Maine:

• Cultivate a creative mindset.
• Invest in research and the development of new technologies.
• Support industry efforts to develop and/or exploit higher-value business and marketing strategies.
• Attract and retain creative workers.
• Strengthen the creative abilities of all Maine workers—present and future.

The report will address the creative economy from two perspectives—rising importance of creative workers and a spotlight on Maine arts and cultural sectors. The latter section proposes the following strategies:

• Assist artists and cultural entrepreneurs in expanding sales, revenues and markets.
• Develop and strengthen world-class arts and cultural tourism destinations.
• Preserve and promote our downtowns.
• Increase visibility of the arts and culture sector in economic development, planning and implementation.

I know many are waiting for the final report to see how they might weave the ideas into their own businesses and communities. As soon as it is available, we will post it to the creative economy listserve on MaineArts.com.

Have a great Maine summer! If it looks like the recent months (with the Maine Alliance for Arts Education “wine, cheese and chocolate party” at Baldacci’s Restaurant; the “Poetry Out Loud” contest at University of Maine at Augusta; George Lloyd paintings at Portland Museum of Art; and “Almost Maine” at Penobscot Theatre) than it is sure to shape up to be a busy summer!

Sincerely,
John M. Rohman
Chair