Portland Seeks Artists Input for Creative Economy

 Portland's Creative Economy Steering Committee is seeking input from artists on their space needs by asking them to participate in a survey. The information gathered will help shape taskforce recommendations related to having available, affordable, and secure long-term space in Portland for artists and other contributors to the creative economy.

"The Creative Economy Steering Committee has been working since 2006 to develop strategies to encourage and maintain the creative economy in Portland," stated Jim Cohen, chair of the Committee. "The Committee has spent a great deal of time exploring potential initiatives ranging from new community events, to growing innovation businesses, to addressing space needs of artists and arts organizations. We hope to bring a set of recommendations forward to the City Council by late spring.”

The Creative Economy Steering Committee was appointed by then-mayor Cohen in 2006 following a well-attended Creative Economy Summit held in May of that year. According to Cohen, “It became clear after the Summit that we needed to better understand the creative sector's needs and steps we can take to support it."

Among the initiatives being considered is the development of a Center for the Arts. A Center for the Arts could come in many forms, but in principle it would host a community of artists and arts organizations creating a synergy that elevates the making as well as the quality of art. Economies would be realized with a concentrated population of creative people and groups pooling resources and sharing equipment and space. If built, a Center could accommodate a range of uses, including studios, live/work space, galleries, a museum, performance and rehearsal space, and education and administrative offices. At this point, however, the Steering Committee is keeping its options open, including whether the Center would be financially feasible or whether it should be a public venture, a private venture, or both.

"Housing and work space is the foundation for any economy,” stated Councilor Dave Marshall, co-chair of the Committee and a professional artist. "We need feedback from artists and creative individuals about their space needs in order to grow our creative economy."

Access the survey online on or before April 7 by visiting www.ci.portland.me.us