This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenters Margo Kelly and Dawn Charbboneau, who covered the Creative Economy Summit. Read more about what happened.
Art makers and stakeholders shared ideas for expansion and art equity at the second annual Creative Economy Summit on Oct. 25.
At Finding the Future: Building a Sustainable and Equitable Creative Economy, panelists explored themes like retaining talent in Indiana, artist empowerment and statewide strategies.
They defined the creative economy as a multi-layered economy consisting of music, visual arts, performing arts, and creativity in industries like tech.
The biggest takeaway: Let the artists speak for themselves.
Local art leaders shared perspectives on Indy’s creative economy
Le’Deana Brown, creator of Midwest Leak magazine, said she’s worked hard to develop a platform for people in Indianapolis. She said it’s important to treat local artists like big artists.
Jane Kim, director of Chreece, said she wants to help make hip-hop heard and accepted by all. Kim said Indy’s hip-hop festival is all about community access, and their work helps demystify what it means to be an artist. To date, Chreece has donated $50,000 to local nonprofits.
Nick Saligoe, also known as DJ Metrognome, said he didn’t want a “real job,” so he focused on doing what he loved — being a DJ. Saligoe said when he was starting out, his day-to-day was all about the hustle with no job security. Then he co-founded Deckademics, Indiana’s only DJ school where he has trained hundreds of growing local DJs.
Jenny Tod said she wanted to be a cartoonist. Growing up, she said that she didn’t see any examples that led to a successful career. Tod said her parents pushed her toward careers like medicine or law, but she went to Herron School of Art and Design. Tod recently published, “You’re an Artist!” It’s a guide to help inspire young people to pursue their creativity.
Statewide strategies for growing the creative economy
Panelist Sen. Andrea Hunley said we need public policies encouraging residents to spread a love of art. She asked how to help local small businesses build equity.
Jim Rawlinson, director of the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, said READI invested $1.2 million into the creative economy. “We must be proactive and work directly with entrepreneurs and businesses.”
Tim George, founder of Pathemy Strategies, said that the missing link is the lack of embracing the arts and culture in Indiana.
He said innovation is Indiana being a leader and not copying other successful states. He said collaborative attitudes get things done.
What’s next?
The next Creative Economy Summit will happen in 2025.
Want to help us cover future meetings?
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Questions? Email documenters@mirrorindy.org.
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