Indiana's Overlooked Economic Engine

Pattern has supported Indiana’s creatives through placemaking and storytelling for over a decade. It’s a history we’re proud of! To strengthen the reach of our support, we’ve shifted our focus to something we believe will have an even greater impact: the creative economy.

What is the creative economy?

To sum it up, the creative economy encompasses the people, enterprises, and communities that transform artistic and cultural skills, knowledge, and ideas into economically productive goods, services, and places. There are the more obvious examples of the creative economy; concerts, art sales, and photography studios; but there are also graphic designers, copywriters, and even chefs. 

A state’s creative economy doesn’t just reflect how artists and creatives in the state are doing. A thriving creative economy means a better quality of life for everyone. According to our recent creative economy study, employees in the top 15 states by concentration of arts and cultural industries have average annual wages almost $22,000 higher than the average in the 15 states with the lowest concentration.

As we like to say at Pattern, the creative economy is the economy. 

How is it doing in Indiana?

Here at Pattern, we’re super proud of Indiana’s creative economy. Compared to other states though? We’re underperforming. With one of the lowest concentrations of arts and cultural industries, Indiana’s 82,813 workers comprised just 2.5% of the state’s employment in 2022, which is below the national average.

Things are looking up, though! The arts, recreation, and entertainment industry had the third highest growth percentage (18%) in employment from 2018 to 2022 among other industry categories and is the 14th largest industry in the state, leaping over its previous spot in 17th years before. 

Who cares? And who needs to care?

There are plenty of organizations and individual creatives throughout the state, from cities to more rural areas, who share our vision of a thriving creative economy. For one, there are the creatives in Indiana who don’t want to move somewhere else to “make it.” There are also artistic and creative organizations and companies that care about the creative economy and seeing creatives thrive. 

No one person holds the key, though, so collaboration is imperative. Policymakers have the power to support legislation that transforms communities. Corporations can help with talent development, training, and connection-making. And, yes, you—believe it or not, you’re a big part of this equation, too!

Why should I care?

A thriving creative economy affects the arts, entertainment, and economic prosperity of your community. The quality of life and place play a role in promoting economic prosperity in cities like Nashville, for example. Focusing on the creative economy is crucial, not only for the culture and identity of both rural and urban communities to be established but for the economic state of the community to succeed in the long run.

What can I do?

Ever heard of the 3.5% rule? Based on research by a Harvard political scientist, it takes just 3.5% of a population to actively participate in a movement for it to succeed. By contributing your time and attention to Indiana’s creative economy, you’re part of our 3.5%. We believe that we’re well on our way to that real, lasting change–and we appreciate your support. 

But what can I actually do?

You already know how to shop local businesses (here come the holidays!), hire local vendors, and support cultural nonprofits you love by volunteering and financially contributing to their work.

We’re done voting for now, so it’s time to remind your state representatives about the initiatives that you care about. You can find their names, office phone numbers, and mailing addresses here.

Drop your reps a line and let them know you’re interested in the opportunities afforded through investment in our state’s creative economy. They can learn more about it through Pattern’s recent creative economy study.

What’s Pattern doing?

First of all, we’re hosting events like the Indiana Creative Economy Summit to raise awareness about the creative economy and tend to it by shaping supportive legislation, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth. Secondly, our creative economy study is moving into phase two—we don’t have specifics for you yet, but pinky-promise to keep you posted! 

We also have several talent development programs, including our SPACE Residents as well as our fellowships and internships. Plus, we’re over the moon to share that we just received a $225,000 grant from The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation to allow us to continue our important work, including advocacy, education, and events around the creative economy!

And in case you missed it, PATTERN Vol. 26: The Independent Issue is available for purchase. This publication is filled—cover to cover—with stories, profiles, photography, and design featuring creatives from around the state who are making Indiana a more beautiful and interesting place to live.

Copies for this issue are going fast. And once they’re gone, they’re gone.

P.S. We love these guys!