You might have heard us talking about the creative economy. Okay, scratch that—you’ve definitely heard us talking about the creative economy (we’re a little bit crazy about it). But what is it, anyway? 

The creative economy encompasses the artists, cultural nonprofits, and creative businesses that generate jobs, revenue, and quality of life. For example, the creative economy can include visual art, music, photography, graphic design, marketing, non-creative jobs within a creative agency, creative jobs within non-creative agencies, and much more—if we listed every job the creative economy encompasses, we’d be here for a couple years at least. So how’s the creative economy doing here in Indiana?

So yeah, it’s doing pretty dang well.

Even so, we as a state need to keep nurturing our creative economy—otherwise, Indiana could lag behind in the race for talent. If we leverage our strong creative economy through a statewide strategy, we will propel our economic growth. What’s the first step in creating this statewide strategy, you ask? Forming a coalition of stakeholders—which is exactly the goal behind Pattern’s Creative Economy Summit.

At our inaugural summit last year, we gathered an impressive 225 leaders and creative economy stakeholders. The most popular discussions surrounded:

• Film tax credits

• Funding mechanisms

• Collaboration between creative and traditional industries

• Expanding specialized support for creative entrepreneurs

• Funding the Indy music strategy

When attendees were polled, 75% found the content useful and learned new concepts, 84% rated the event very good or excellent, and 70% said they would definitely attend the 2024 summit. 

Even outside of the summit, though, we at Pattern are working hard every day to strengthen the creative economy. Through internships and fellowships, the SPACE program, the magazine, and more, Pattern is your ally in making Indiana’s creative economy stronger.

The Creative Economy in Action

The fourth annual BUTTER art fair took place at the Stutz on Labor Day weekend as GANGGANG showcased the work of Black visual artists advocating the cultural significance and economic viability of Black arts and culture. Boasting over 12,000 attendees (including Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton and President of AES Indiana, Brandi Davis-Handy) and 64 artworks sold for $154,190 this year, the fair created an economic splash for Indy. We hope you picked up a BUTTER art book while you’re there—they were designed by yours truly here at Pattern!

Opportunities for Creatives

• Gallery 924 is looking for artwork for their annual holiday group show: TINY XIII. Submissions must be…you guessed it…tiny! Learn more about the theme and how to apply here. Deadline: 10/13/24

• The Arc of Greater Boone County is seeking artists, landscapers, and architects to submit their qualifications in consideration for their Sensory Arts Garden Public Art Project. The garden will function as a therapeutic space for people with disabilities while also being accessible to the public. Learn more here. Deadline: 10/16/24

• The Harrison Art Center is seeking submissions to their annual color-themed group show. This year, the show is titled The Real Teal. They’re seeking artwork of all kinds—with the exception that they all must include the color teal. Learn more about the show and how to submit here. Deadline: 10/20/24

When Creatives Thrive, Communities Flourish

On August 27th, we attended the second annual Elevate Ventures RALLY Innovation Conference! In conjunction with our friends at Be Nimble Foundation and Sixty8 Capital, we hosted the Creative Entrepreneur Takeover.

How does AI change creative industries? How do we balance artistic integrity while embracing new technology? How do we utilize the deep bench of talent we already have in the state to create economic growth? In an era of freelancing, how can creatives learn to be their own business?

Throughout the day, creative change-makers from across Indiana (and beyond) gathered to discuss all of these questions and more.

We’re excited to continue these conversations on October 25th at the second annual Creative Economy Summit…see you there?

What’s Happening at Pattern

It’s been a while…let’s catch up!

Pattern Summer Recap:

• We had SIX summer interns! (they’re gone already, and the office was far too quiet for weeks). Luckily, we have a fall intern that just started, Daniel Guevara! As a writing intern, Daniel will be working with us on the newsletters, magazines, and anything else that pops onto Pattern’s plate.

• We worked nonstop on Volume 26! The interns and fellows took the theme and ran with it. We can’t wait to show you their hard work! (It’s going to print soon…)

• We’re working with IEDC again on their 2024 Entrepreneurial Yearbook. Our favorite part is getting a glimpse into the rich entrepreneurial landscape of Indiana!

• The Creative Economy Summit is coming soon! Our team has been working around the clock to make it even better than last year’s. Learn more and buy tickets here!

Stay Connected

This update was brought to you by the fellows and intern here at Pattern! :)

P.S. We love these guys!