The Summit
Creative Sector Summit
Occurs annually in March.
The Creative Sector Summit brings together a broad cross-section of creative professionals for the purpose of networking, education and collaboration.
On March 16th and 17th, 2011 the Downtown Master Plan Arts & Culture Subcommittee, led by the Asheville Area Arts Council, hosted the 1st Annual Creative Sector Summit. Over 170 participants contributed to the Summit, representing independent entrepreneurs from every discipline, arts organizations, economic development agencies, public workers, and more.
Each day included presentation from speakers representing non-profit, City, and State agencies; breakout discussions conducted to gain feedback regarding perceived opportunities, needs, challenges in the creative community; opportunities to network and exchange ideas; and the opportunity to fill out creative sector survey. Analyzing the results of the breakout sessions and surveys begins to paint a fairly clear image of the challenges and opportunities facing the creative sector. The sections below highlight the most important emergent themes.
History
In 2007, the Asheville City Council authorized and funded a Master Plan for Downtown Asheville to assess the opportunities and challenges associated the city. The Arts and Culture Subcommittee was formed to identify and advance strategic initiatives relating to the City’s creative resources. Its diverse makeup includes public officials, representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, leaders of prominent arts organizations, and other community stakeholders.
The 2011 Breakout Sessions
Participants engaged in breakout sessions using an open format that allowed them to form affinity groups and to either use or modify the following guiding questions:
– How does the Creative Sector currently contribute to the economy, culture, and quality of life in Asheville and Buncombe County?
– What are common needs, challenges and goals among creative professionals, organizations, businesses, services and suppliers?
– What opportunities exist for Creative providers to engage in cross-sector collaboration?
Volunteer moderators with each group of participants recorded important comments and summarized emerging themes. Three essential themes emerged:
1. Desire for Collaboration
The most frequently expressed need was for increased communication, coordination and community building among artists, creatives, and arts organizations. Many comments expressed the desire for a unified online presence and tools including comprehensive directories, calendars, and social networking space.
2. Need for Advocacy
The second most recurrent need was a desire to elevate the role of the creative sector among our community’s priorities. Many comments expressed dismay at the perceived lack of respect for the role of arts in our culture and the desire to educate the public at-large – especially influential decision makers – about the positive impact of the arts on quality of life and economic development.
3. Access to Audiences and Markets
The third most recurrent need was for greater access to audiences and markets, whether local, tourists and visitors, or national and international. State funding opportunities and philanthropic giving continue to decline along with revenues for traditional arts and entertainment, causing artists and organizations to face substantial shortfalls.
Full report coming soon!