Plan

To work in collaboration with the Maine Arts Commission to develop and implement an integrated communications strategy that would educate the entire state of Maine on the concept of “Creative Economy” as well as to plan and present a Blaine House Conference on Maine’s Creative Economy. A conference identity and web site were developed and venue selected. The two-day event was held at Lewiston’s Bates Mill Complex, a former textile mill and authentic example of the creative utilization of Maine’s empty mill spaces.

Results

The Blaine House Conference on Maine’s Creative Economy received phenomenal response from the media including feature stories and many print, radio and television stories. The conference won the prestigious Innovation Award from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in Washington, D.C. for its ability to draw the public into a discussion on the importance of arts funding for economic and community development. In the months following, Maine Governor Baldacci formed the Governor’s Council on Maine’s Creative Economy.