Howdy!

Did you know? Indiana does not have a creativity problem.

We have a translation problem.

Sports makes sense to Indiana leaders because the economic model is clear: stadiums, visitors, hotels, restaurants, corporate sponsorships, national attention, and civic pride.

Life sciences makes sense because the system is visible: research, talent, venture capital, lab space, patents, startups, jobs.

The creative economy is just as real. And in Indiana, more leaders are beginning to see it that way.

The big question now is whether Indiana is ready to understand creativity in its largest context — as a system of industries, workers, businesses, venues, stories, festivals, intellectual property, supply chains, and platforms that affect tourism, talent attraction, downtown vitality, small business growth, media exposure, and state competitiveness.

Aaaand because we love a good story, we made a short behind-the-scenes film to share the who, what, and why behind the Summit — and to tell the story of Pattern’s evolution from a fashion magazine into a statewide creative economy organization.

The Summit brings together creative entrepreneurs, civic leaders, policymakers, funders, educators, tourism professionals, business leaders, and economic development stakeholders to figure out the tools, mechanisms, partnerships, and systems Indiana needs to grow its creative sectors with the same intentionality we have brought to sports, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and other key industries.

That work is already starting to take shape.

A mural is not just public art. It can be part of a commercial corridor strategy.

A small live venue is not just a stage. It is connected to workforce, vendors, hospitality spend, nightlife, neighborhood identity, and talent retention.

A film shoot is not just a creative project. It activates crew, equipment, locations, lodging, catering, and local supply chains.

A designer is not just making things look better. They are helping businesses, brands, products, and places become more competitive.

That shift matters.

Pattern’s work is helping translate creativity into the language of economic development so that more leaders can see the creative economy not as a side conversation, but as one of Indiana’s strongest opportunities for growth.

If, like us, you believe in Indiana’s creative potential, there is a place for you in this conversation.

Join us in downtown Indianapolis for the Indiana Creative Economy Summit, September 15 & 16.

Early bird pricing is available through July 15. (Save seventy bucks, y’all!)

See you there??!

Polina Osherov