Research has shown the critical importance of cultural and creative assets in building quality places and attracting talented knowledge workers. The creative new economy is defined as industries that have their origin in individual creativity, skill, and talent, and have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation of ideas, products and/or services. The recently prepared Cultural Economic Development Plan for Greater Lansing’s Urban Center includes recommendations consistent with the Greater Lansing Next plan and promotes a renewed focus for the region’s business organizations, as well as for the Arts Council of Greater Lansing and affiliated organizations.
The Culture and Creative Team is a group of roughly 50 people affiliated with one of three subcommittees – Attract and Retain Talent, Enhance the Value of Place, and Encourage Creative Enterprises. They have been meeting since the beginning of 2010 around these specific focus areas, and are wrapping up the first year of efforts.
Under the leadership of Simon Perazza, a subgroup was formed to focus on what is needed in our region to encourage creative enterprises and support their growth. In October an event was held that brought economic developers and resource providers together with established and emerging creative entrepreneurs. A number of panel sessions were held to share ideas. The service providers discussed the resources available, while creative entrepreneurs highlighted the pros and cons of establishing creative enterprises in Greater Lansing.
A separate workgroup formed for the purpose of identifying methods to attract and retain talent has also been meeting under the direction of Vincent Delgado. Their work lies primarily within the study of networks in Lansing, specifically social and professional connections. Using these networks, the group is working to build capacity among creatives for starting and sustaining businesses while simultaneously working to communicate cultural and artistic assets to a broader audience.
A third workgroup to concentrate on the arts and culture in placemaking, led by Ron Springer, has concentrated its focus along the Michigan-Grand River Avenue Corridor. They performed an initial asset inventory and are working with several MSU departments and initiatives, such as ourmichiganave.org, to disseminate that information. This research will also be provided to CATA to assist with the transportation study as well as the Entertainment Express. Other key findings include a need for a regional wayfinding and signage plan, the importance of improving the US-127 overpass as a key gateway, and encouraging murals throughout the corridor.