Developing a Creative Economy in Mattoon

When?  Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Where? Elevate Cross County Innovation Center located in Cross County Mall, 700 Broadway Ave E Space #8, Mattoon, IL
Cost?     No charge to attend. 
Who should attend? Community leaders, economic development professionals, creative entrepreneurs and others who want to tap into the creative talent in their communities 

Program description:
Developing a Creative Economy was designed for community leaders and economic development professionals who want to tap into the creative talent in their communities to build viable businesses, adding to household income for the entrepreneur and increasing economic activity in the community. The program helps community leaders expand economic and entrepreneurial development by developing a culture that appreciates and supports the creative talents of residents, including those living in low-resource households. Creative entrepreneurs include artists, designers, musicians, boutique retailers, specialty food producers and others.

The presenter will provide insights on ways communities can support these creative enterprises. Some examples include microbreweries, pop-up shops, co-businesses, art co-ops, outdoor markets, music festivals and internet cafes. All of which have been shown to be the ‘third spaces’ needed to attract young adults back to a community while revitalizing downtown centers in both rural and urban areas. 

The presenter:
Pam Schallhorn is an Extension Community and Economic Development Specialist.  Developing a Creative Economy is based in part on research she completed between 2010 and 2014 in Rockford, Illinois. Prior to working for Extension in 2014, she developed a course called Creating the Creative Business that incorporated a right-brain learning technique which was effective in assisting artists and creative individuals to start businesses. At the same time, she worked with a local organization to start the Rockford City Market, where these creative enterprises had access to markets at a low cost.  Forty-three enterprises were either started or expanded within the first few years, which in turn assisted in the redevelopment of Rockford’s downtown commercial district.  In 2018, she developed a companion four-part community-planning model specifically for rural communities interested in developing or expanding their own creative economy.

 

If you need reasonable accommodations in order to attend or have questions about the program please contact the presenter at pscha2@illinois.edu.