How Indiana is Cultivating Creativity for Economic Growth
By Samantha Hines
Photo courtesy of Pattern
In October 2023, Indiana’s first Creative Economy Summit proved that the creative sector is an essential part of Indy’s economic future. Now, we’re bringing it back for a second year!
Who’s “we?” We’re Pattern, an Indy nonprofit championing the creative economy of Indiana for over a decade. This summit is the culmination of that work—and we’re just getting started!
“A thriving creative economy is key to retaining talent in Indiana,” says Polina Osherov, Executive Director of Pattern. “Our goal is to make that vision a reality through a variety of programs and initiatives, the Creative Economy Summit being one.”
Pattern’s annual Creative Economy Summit, powered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, is a one-day event that drives the growth and development of Indiana’s creative industries, making the state a hub for innovation and cultural richness.
Why should you invest your time, money, and energy into the creative economy? Creative industries bring undeniable value to both our economy and our quality of life. The talent is here. The drive is here. The next step is for high-level decision-makers to invest in it. The question is: will you be a part of Indiana’s creative revolution?
But wait, hold up. You may be wondering: what exactly is the creative economy? (We LOVE this question, since we’re a little obsessed with it!)
Indiana’s creative economy generates billions in economic impact.
The term “creative economy” encompasses all of the artists, cultural nonprofits, and creative businesses that generate jobs and revenue. This includes visual art, music, photography, graphic design, marketing, non-creative jobs at creative agencies, creative jobs at non-creative agencies, and much more. If we listed every job in the creative economy, we’d be here for a couple of years at least!
So, how’s the creative economy doing here in Indiana? The answer is pretty dang well!
A Thriving Creative Economy = A Thriving Community
Our state is home to a vibrant, passionate community of creative and cultural organizations. But even so, we need to keep nurturing our local creative economy. Otherwise, Indiana could start to lag in the highly competitive race for talent.
That’s why we need to leverage our strong creative economy with a statewide strategy to propel our economic growth. What’s the first step in creating this statewide strategy, you ask? Forming a coalition of stakeholders—which is exactly the goal behind Pattern’s Creative Economy Summit.
Secure Your Spot at the Indiana Creative Economy Summit
“The Indiana Creative Economy Summit is more than an event,” says Osherov. “It’s a catalyst for change, driving talent attraction, economic growth, and community vibrancy across our state.”
At our inaugural summit last year, we gathered an impressive 225 leaders and creative economy stakeholders. The most popular discussions surrounded:
- Film Tax Credits
- Funding Mechanisms
- Collaboration Between Creative and Traditional Industries
- Expansion of Specialized Support for Creative Entrepreneurs
- Funding for the Indy Music Strategy
When attendees were polled, 75% found the content useful and learned new concepts, 84% rated the event very good or excellent, and 70% said they would definitely attend the 2024 summit.
This year, we’re going even bigger. On October 25, in the historic L.S. Ayers space at Circle Centre Mall, changemakers from across the state will gather to discuss the most pressing issues in the state’s creative economy.
Photo courtesy of Pattern
Who Should Attend and Why?
Pattern’s Creative Economy Summit focuses on the business of creativity, the importance of economic development, and strategies to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for professional creatives.
While creatives are the foundation of this space, our summit is specially designed for:
- Legislators & Government Officials
- Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders
- Leaders from Higher Education Institutions
- Heads of Civic & Philanthropic Organizations
- Corporate Leaders & Decision Makers
- Anyone Investing in the Creative Economy
By bringing together thought leaders from Indiana and its peer cities, the Creative Economy Summit acts as a unique space for cross-sector collaboration and growth. Attendees learn how to use their unique position to support the creative economy and invest in more creatives. You can connect with local changemakers in creative sectors, help shape Indiana’s future, and have fun doing it!
“I believe that investing in creative sectors isn’t just about supporting the arts. It’s about building a robust economy that thrives on innovation, diversity, and dynamic human capital,” says Osherov. “Quality of place and life is no longer a ‘nice-to-have.’ It’s a competitive advantage in a global economy, and creativity is at its core.”