57.56 F
London
December 5, 2024
PI Global Investments
Infrastructure

Infrastructure that boosts creative economy key to Washington success


Looking over a list of Washington State’s major industries, you might be surprised to find “Creative Economy” tucked in among well-known sectors like forest products, agriculture, aerospace, information and communications technology.

In fact, Washington’s creative sector is first in the nation as a share of the state’s Gross Domestic Product, according to State Department of Commerce research. It’s home to more than 180,000 designers, artisans, game developers, digital animators, architects, culinary artists, and others in more than 100 creative professions. According to a recent report commissioned by state legislators, they collectively generate about $120 billion in annual economic activity — nearly 20% of the state’s GDP. That’s twice the impact as was previously thought.

Add to that the indirect benefits to other industries and the quality of life in a region, and it’s clear that supporting a vibrant creative sector is a worthwhile investment of time and resources. But how?

The Washington Creative Economy Work Group has been studying the landscape and issued 11 recommendations to support creative entrepreneurs and the creative workforce and make resources more accessible to aspiring creatives across the state. Their recommendations range from increasing broadband access to developing affordable housing, reducing the tax burden for small creative businesses, expanding creative districts, and using Community Economic Revitalization Board grants and loans to build supportive infrastructure.  That last recommendation is important: While each recommendation has its merit, strategic investments in creative infrastructure will be key.

As the executive director of a nonprofit makerspace that was founded by – and continues to primarily be run by – volunteer artisans, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of access to tools and a knowledgeable community on an individual’s creative development. Makerspaces like BARN foster a culture of innovation and creativity through shared spaces, equipment, workshops, and peer mentorship. Every aspiring creative in Washington should have access to resources like these.

At BARN, skilled artisans work shoulder to shoulder with beginners in studios fully stocked with professional equipment. Many are looking for creative outlets, to meet new people or broaden their horizons, but a considerable minority are looking to transition to entrepreneurship or stumble into a lucrative and fulfilling side business. Each year, at our annual Bazaar, dozens of member vendors display an astonishing variety of work for sale. And that’s just a sample.

On any given day, you might find a young engineer prototyping a new product in the Tech Lab, a weaver trying a new design in the Fiber Studio, or a glass artisan designing pieces to sell online or in a local gallery. For these artisans, BARN serves as an important incubator that makes entrepreneurial dreams attainable. It lowers barriers like startup costs (an aspiring jeweler can expect to spend several thousand dollars on basic studio equipment just to get started, for example) and offers a supportive community for their development and growth.

Hubs like BARN also contribute directly to the creative economy by employing accomplished and emerging artisans as instructors and mentors. Last year, working artists and craftspeople earned nearly $224,000 sharing their skills and passion through BARN classes teaching everything from fine woodworking to culinary masterpieces; from casting bronze or sculpting sheet metal to making hand-bound books. 

As the creative economy continues to grow in Washington, we’ll all benefit from strategic investments in makerspaces and other community facilities that will give every Washington resident ready access to these types of resources. This doesn’t have to be a heavy lift. At BARN, we run a lean operation funded through a mix of membership fees, class tuition, grants, and donations. Hundreds of volunteers contribute tens of thousands of hours each year leading studio development, developing programs, teaching classes, helping artisans during open studios, working on community service projects, leading youth activities, and performing other vital functions. Grants and tuition assistance help keep our programs affordable for makers with financial needs.

It’s exciting to see state policymakers rally behind Washington’s creative community. Not all creatives are interested in entrepreneurship or turning their creative passions into commercial businesses, but we should make the path as easy as possible for those who do.

Getting there will take the support of state lawmakers, local nonprofits, and private funders willing to invest in cultural infrastructure and educational resources. It’s a worthwhile investment. We all benefit when emerging artisans and curious makers have ready access to the tools and community expertise to bring their visions to life.

Grae Drake is the executive director of BARN, a nonprofit makerspace on Bainbridge Island, and may be reached at graed@bainbridgebarn.org.



Source link

Related posts

EPS Beats Expectations, Revenues Lag

D.William

GCP Infrastructure Investments (LON:GCP) Hits New 12-Month High Following Dividend Announcement

D.William

Norway Proposes a NATO Hub for Securing Critical Undersea Infrastructure in the High North

D.William

Leave a Comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.