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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
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