Throughout the country, the definition of arts, culture, the creative industries, and what and who fit under the ‘creative economy’ umbrella varies widely. It’s no wonder, with specific industry clusters defining the unique character of certain regions and communities, coupled with advancements in technology, commitments to innovation, and the fluidity of how the creative industry intertwines within and across business sectors.
Our Wisconsin peers at Creative Alliance Milwaukee have worked to define that region’s creative economy and developed strategies to promote and strengthen the economic and cultural value it provides. The definition they offer spans a rich spectrum from the nonprofit arts, culture and humanities to for-profit businesses where creativity and design are integrated into the production of goods and services.
“Those organizations, individuals and companies whose products and services originate in artistic, cultural, creative and/or aesthetic content.”
Creativity Works!, A Partnership of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee and the Greater Milwaukee Committee, January 2011.
Every level of interaction that touches a creative product or service – whether it be the artists, designers, creative thinkers and support staff, all the way to the manufacturing, distribution, sales and business leading to the end user – falls under the creative industries. However, more important than defining the industry is recognizing the regional strengths of our creatives in building the momentum necessary to reinvent Michigan, diversify its workforce, and attract and retain talent and business investment.
The creative industries include a wide range of nonprofit and for-profit businesses, leading the charge in innovation, building on and learning from the accomplishments of our past, and capitalizing on the talents of individuals changing the world around us.
From automotive design on Michigan’s east side to furniture design on Michigan’s west side; from architecture to graphic design; from filmmaking to poetry, and animation to symphony performances, each facet of the creative industries contributes not only economically, but also in creating the experiences, pride and communities people want to be involved in.
The creative industries are a powerful force contributing to the legacy of what Michigan is, has been and will become. Generating revenues, employing workers and making a name for the state that goes deeper than most realize, the creative economy is a vital ingredient leading Michigan to emerging stronger than ever before.
The creative industries include a wide range of nonprofit and for-profit businesses, leading the charge in innovation, building on and learning from the accomplishments of our past, and capitalizing on the talents of individuals changing the world around us.
From automotive design on Michigan’s east side to furniture design on Michigan’s west side; from architecture to graphic design; from filmmaking to poetry, and animation to symphony performances, each facet of the creative industries contributes not only economically, but also in creating the experiences, pride and communities people want to be involved in.
The creative industries are a powerful force contributing to the legacy of what Michigan is, has been and will become. Generating revenues, employing workers and making a name for the state that goes deeper than most realize, the creative economy is a vital ingredient leading Michigan to emerging stronger than ever before.
If Michigan's economic recovering is going to be a sound long term process it needs to rely on knowledgeable information.
ReplyDeleteThe definition of "creative industries" provide above is vacuous. Under it's definition anyone or any business could be considered "creative".
Artistic creativity at it's core is different than business innovation. Literature is different than advertising copy. Most dictionaries define "creativity" as -the use of the imagination or original ideas, esp. in the production of an artistic work.
Co-opting that definition into a feel good, business cheer leading chant doesn't lead us into the right direction.