The Industry of Culture
“Developing a Creative Economy in West Virginia”
Presentation by Conley Salyer, WV State Director of Small Business Development

Definition of Creative Industries
The creative industries are composed of arts related businesses that range from visual artists, symphonies, museums and theaters, to film, architecture and advertising companies.

 Organizations Participating
n      Center for Economic Options
n      MountainMade Foundation
n      Poplar Forest Artist Co-op
n      Tamarack
n      West Virginia Art and Craft Guild
n      West Virginia Division of Culture and History
n      West Virginia Development Office
n      Wheeling Symphony Society
n      West Virginia Department of Tourism
n      West Virginia Art Education Association

 Economic Impact of Creative Industries in West Virginia
In January 2004 there were 1,617 arts-related businesses that employed 8,862 people in West Virginia! 
Source:  The Creative Industries Study, prepared by Americans for the Arts.

WV Arts and Crafts: One Sector of the Creative Industry
n      $54 million of direct economic impact
n      Approximately 2,500 jobs
n      Income that increases median household income by 25% over state average. 

Challenges for the Arts and Crafts Sector
n      Average sales/revenue are well below the national average. There is a need to provide greater access to markets outside the state.
n      The industry is comprised of an aging population with little being done to transfer skills to a younger generation.
n      Most work in isolated home studios with no employees making time management and production a challenge.
n      Most artisans want and need technical assistance but the delivery of services to isolated locations is difficult.

 The Cultural Roundtable: Creating a Vision for WV’s Creative Economy
n      West Virginia’s position as a national economic leader has been fueled by its attractiveness as a haven for those whose work and passion are closely tied to the state’s unique cultural heritage and amenities.  West Virginia’s nationally recognized models for supporting and promoting those whose livelihood depends on the arts has resulted in employment & revenue levels that have far outpaced all other economic sectors in the state. 
n      This focus on the industry of culture has rejuvenated our communities so that they reflect a heritage that is vibrant, and provide a nurturing environment to support both traditional and contemporary art forms, and a quality of life that provides life-long cultural enrichment for all of our citizens.

Goals and Strategies: Research
n      Develop a research based understanding of the industry.
     - inventory cultural assets by discipline and county
     - expand economic research beyond craft sector

Goals and Strategies: Entrepreneurship
n      Provide people access to skills, services, and resources necessary to thrive.
     - provide entrepreneurial assistance
     - promote development of new entrepreneurs
     - link to state’s Vision Shared priorities
     - enhance use of technology

Goals and Strategies: Public Policy
n      Make investments in West Virginia’s cultural businesses a top economic development priority.
     - develop an advocacy agenda
     - promote development of a cultural caucus in legislature

Goals and Strategies: Education
n      Educate the public about the economic impacts of the industry.
n      Expand emphasis on arts and culture in the K-12 curriculum.
n      Expand education and training for the industry.
n      Expand the curriculum for arts educators.

Goals and Strategies: Organization
n      Create an effective organizational model to promote the industry of culture as a positive economic
     force.
     - create a management team
     - communicate with stakeholders
     - adequately fund efforts

 Anticipated Outcomes
• Financially viable and profitable industry participants that meet or exceed national averages.
• Growing numbers of industry participants.
• Rejuvenated and creative West Virginia communities