The creative industries —including
art, crafts, design, film, and music— employ over 90,000 Coloradoans and
generate over $12 billion in industry earnings annually.*
In rural Colorado, there is a high concentration of creative businesses and experiences, which drive job creation and economic growth and play a critical role in community revitalization and cultural preservation.
Creative professionals play a crucial role in the startup community by providing fresh ideas, perspectives, "design thinking" modalities, and problem-solving in industrial, social, and civic contexts.
In this interactive panel discussion, local creatives and community leaders will share insights on fostering a
dynamic interface between creativity, culture, economics, and technology. You will learn how to partner and collaborate with businesses and organizations in the creative industry.
Panelists include:- John Clark, Mayor of Ridgway and founding member of its Creative District, who advocates for the arts, public lands, and economic development while overseeing cultural events and working as a glass artist and technologist.
- Nathan Schmidt, musician, illustrator, and board member of Mancos Creative District, a rural arts organization driving the creative economy in Mancos through collaborative events.
- TJ Smith, founder of Stray Wild, offering product design and creative services for earth-conscious nonprofits & brands. Owner, The Wilder Gallery, merging love for the outdoors with artistic works. Muralist, celebrating the animals, waters, blue skies, tall trees, and land we call home.
Moderated by:- Celeste Herron, Program Lead for WSSW 2023, evangelist for rural economic development, brand storyteller, multidisciplinary designer, and creative director.
*data by Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)
