A Direction and Destination for Vermont’s Creative Sector
Final Action Plan Unveiled
MONTPELIER—From the innovation of technology start-ups to the surge in artisan foods and the vitality of bustling community arts centers and libraries, creativity is embedded in Vermont’s character. Today, the Vermont Creative Network released the final CreateVT Action Plan, an ambitious vision and plan for how to realize the promise of Vermont’s creative sector.
Developed over three years with input from thousands of Vermonters the 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, and outlines the goals, strategies, and action steps that can be taken by individuals, organizations, and communities to achieve the plan’s vision.
With nine broad-based goals and 28 strategies for moving the creative sector forward, the Plan details the ways that investments in the creative sector benefit people and communities, and pay for themselves. In addition, it includes new data on how the creative economy – particularly in rural places and in times of crisis and recovery – is a catalyst for growth and change. For example, in Vermont, nearly half of Vermont’s creative sector workers are self-employed, freelance workers, or in microbusinesses. Essential to building diversified local economies, these small businesses are able to pivot quickly and respond to new opportunities.
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 draft of the plan was unveiled at a public launch party in May attended by nearly 200 participants including individual creatives and leaders in Vermont government, business, and cultural organizations. Since then, a public comment period was held. Final comments have been incorporated into the version released today.
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.
“Our research shows just how vital creative enterprises and entrepreneurs are to Vermont communities,” said Vermont Arts Council Executive Director Karen Mittelman. “The CreateVT Plan provides a roadmap to help Vermont make informed choices and to invest in an abundant, diverse, and resilient future for our state.”
The CreateVT Action Plan is 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.
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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 vermontcreativenetwork.org
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
