Listening, Learning, Leveraging: Shaping Our Region's Creative Ecosystem

Who should join us? Anyone interested in joining the dialogue, but especially artists, digital makers, chefs, musicians, filmmakers, artisans, photographers, florists, architects, etc. Basically, we hope to see anyone whose business is based on creativity or anyone who is interested in learning more about the creative ecosystem and how we can nurture and develop it further, because creatives’ work is essential to our region’s economy and quality of life.

What’s the goal of this conversation? Our goal is to connect creatives directly with public officials who are interested in learning more about how to strengthen and expand the creative sector.

What’s the agenda? This community forum will allow for discussion, discovery, and the collection of ideas. The opening panel will feature several public officials from around the region, each of whom will share why they consider creativity such an important part of economic development and quality of life. Following the panel, we'll hold a facilitated listening session, during which artists, artisans, makers, and creatives of all genres are invited to share their ideas about what they need to further expand positive impact. We will capture the ideas shared during this meeting, making sure that they are shared on our websites, as well as emailing them to all who register to join us that evening.

What if I can’t make it to the event? Don’t worry—you can still submit your thoughts and questions. Creatives will be given the opportunity to submit their ideas in a couple of ways. The first (and most fun and inspiring) is joining us for this in-person session. If you just can’t make it, we understand. We’ll be happy to send you our survey.

Still have questions or concerns? Please get in touch with Katie Hoffman, Executive Director at Create Appalachia. Her email is [email protected].

PANELISTS:

Steven Bower, Economic Development Director, City of Kingsport

Jon Luttrell, Community Relations Director, City of Bristol TN

Michael Bruni-Fowler, Chair of Johnson City Public Art Committee

PARTNERS:

Create Appalachia, EAT/ART SPACE, and Fischman Gallery.

Create Appalachia strives to make our region a better place to live and work by supporting innovation and creative entrepreneurship. Our primary focus is startups and small businesses that marry creativity and technology. Our goal is to incubate new businesses, increase employment opportunities for creatives, and highlight the key role that creativity plays in the region’s economic vitality.

The Arts@Work Series supports entrepreneurial creatives and makers who wish to develop their professional business skills. Topics include introductions to business strategy, marketing, communication, pricing, and client relations.We also offer skill-based certification courses. The Arts@Work professional development series is curated to meet the particular needs of small creative businesses that combine artistry, imagination, and technology.

T his event is subsidized and made possible thanks to a generous grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission's Arts Build Community program.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Fischman Gallery, 133 North Commerce Street, Johnson City, United States