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MONTPELIER, VT—The CreateVT Action Plan—Vermont’s first comprehensive action plan for the state’s creative economy—has been recognized as the Vermont Planners Association’s (VPA) 2022 Plan of the Year award.
New data demonstrates how the creative economy – particularly in rural places and in times of crisis and recovery – is a catalyst for growth and change. Building on three years of research and community engagement, the CreateVT Plan makes the case that creativity is essential to the cultural and economic vitality of the state and provides a roadmap for critical investment in Vermont creative entrepreneurs, artists, businesses and facilities at the state and local levels. It envisions a Vermont that thrives through creativity, inclusivity, and innovation. Nine broad-based goals and 28 strategies for moving the creative sector forward are provided, as well as action steps that individuals, organizations, and communities can take to achieve the plan’s vision.
In its press release, the VPA stated, “The plan represents a groundbreaking balance of art and analytics by featuring artists as co-designers of the document….Planning consultants designed a multifaceted public engagement approach to reach people during Covid-19 and to elevate underrepresented voices; strategies included virtual gatherings, online tools, and arts-based engagement. The resulting execution strategy is clear in delineating goals and action steps for various levels of engagement. With implementation by the Vermont Creative Network well underway, the CreateVT Action Plan is an innovative and practicable tool to guide the growth of Vermont’s creative economy.”
Vermont creative enterprises – publishers, galleries, theaters, museums, design firms, film studios, artisan cheese shops, and more – provide more than 9.3% of jobs, a higher proportion than in other state. In 2019, arts and culture industries alone contributed over $1 billion annually to the state’s economy, ranking a close third behind retail and construction.
The Vermont Arts Council and Vermont Creative Network are currently overseeing a network approach to implementing the plan’s recommendations and strategies. Implementation consists of three agendas to direct and prioritize actions: a statewide advocacy agenda to secure creative sector resources, a network agenda to connect and empower creatives, and a local agenda to guide regional and local action. Briefs on the Vermont statewide creative economy in the Plan serve as resources to inform and encourage action around the state.
Key contributors to the CreateVT Action Plan were Community Workshop, Shanta Lee Gander, Mt. Auburn Associates and its partners Melissa Levy of Vermont-based Community Roots and Stuart Rosenfield who directed the research. Artists who made specific contributions to the process include Juniper Creative Arts (Jennifer Herrera Condry, Will Kasso Condry, and Alexa Herrera Condry) who created the cover image and artwork throughout the plan; Rebecca Kinkead, who painted portraits of Vermonters who joined Zoom sessions to describe their vision of Vermont’s creative future; multi-disciplinary artist William Forchion who wrote a poem for the plan; and musician KeruBo, who performed live for the final CreateVT Jamboree celebration.
The Plan can be viewed here.
“When Vermont embraces creative expression and enterprise, our communities thrive," said Jody Fried, Vermont Creative Network chair and executive director of Catamount Arts. “In the past year, leaders in every sector - from arts to health care, education to industry - have innovated to support Vermont in a time of crisis. The creative resourcefulness we’ve learned to rely on during the pandemic is key to our little state’s long-term vibrancy well beyond post-pandemic recovery and into a healthy, equitable, sustainable future.”
The CreateVT Action Plan was made possible by major grants from Jane’s Trust and the Windham Foundation, and support from the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, the National Life Group Foundation, and the Ruth and Peter Metz Family Foundation.
The VPA awards will be presented at a hybrid in-person and virtual ceremony on June 16, 2022, at the Little Theater at the Woodstock Recreation Center in Woodstock, Vermont. More information about the VPA awards can be found here.
About the Vermont Creative Network
The Vermont Creative Network is a broad collective of organizations, businesses, and individuals working to advance Vermont’s creative sector. Authorized by the Vermont Legislature in 2016, the VCN is an initiative of the Vermont Arts Council. Learn more at www.vermontcreativenetwork.org
About the Vermont Arts Council
The Vermont Arts Council envisions a Vermont where all people have access to the arts and creativity in their lives, education, and communities. Engagement with the arts transforms individuals, connects us more deeply to each other, energizes the economy, and sustains the vibrant cultural landscape that makes Vermont a great place to live. Since 1965, the Council has been the state's primary provider of funding, advocacy, and information for the arts in Vermont. Learn more at vermontartscouncil.org
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