Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Workshop
May 24, 2007 in Northampton, MA

Cultural Economic Development:
How to Capitalize on the Economic Benefits of Arts, Culture and Innovation Thursday, May 24, 2007 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Smith College Campus Center part of a series of capacity building seminars for the Pioneer Valley region, sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. After introductor remarks by Paul Tangredi, Pioneer Valley Plan for Progress Co-Chair, keynote speaker Beth Siegel, President and Co-Founder of Mount Auburn Associates, discussed the nature of the creative economy in New England, and the pioneering work of Mount Auburn Associates in defining and quantifying the economic impact of the creative sector. AES Director Maren Brown then presented an overview of AES' national creative economy training programs, which provide a practical framework for community leaders to create effective creative economy initiatives in their regions. Brown also discussed success factors that led to the robust creative economy in Massachusetts, examples of creative economy initiatives in the Pioneer Valley region, as well as best practices and challenges throughout the nation. Mayor of Pittsfield, James Ruberto, then presented an overview of Pittsfield, Massachusetts' emerging creative economy initiatives, and the success of these projects in revitalizing Pittsfield's economy and rebuilding its community spirit. Director of Economic Development for the City of Northampton, Teri Anderson, then discussed the evolution and characteristics of Northampton's mature creative economy and the elements that led to its success. Jason Shupbach, Director of ArtsLink for the Massachusetts Cultural Council then discussed the Arts Link program that connects artists with studio space and potential developers with buildings that are in need of refurbishing into studios. The session concluded with a question and answer session led by Pioneer Valley Planning Commission's Senior Economic Development and Policy Analyst, Samalid Hogan.