How connected is your community to the creative economy?
Communities with strong arts and cultural economies are vibrant, prosperous, and desirable places to live.
The Cultural Economy encompasses the economic impact of the arts, culture, and creative industries. We recognize this sector not just as a driver of tourism and visitation, but also as a key component of a community's economic health and well-being. Fourth Economy's portfolio in the arts and culture economy includes:
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Assessing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the creative industries in Pennsylvania
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Contributing to county cultural plans, highlighting the economic outlook for various creative sector jobs and careers
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Mapping county art and cultural assets and organizations
Fourth Economy helps communities assess and communicate the economic impacts of their arts, culture, and creative sectors.
Four questions to consider
What are my community's vital arts and cultural assets, and how accessible are they?
How is the creative sector engaged with local planners, EDOs, and officials to create better public spaces?
How is my community leveraging and boosting authentic culture to attract and retain talent?
How is local government, philanthropy, and the private sector investing in and supporting the arts?
Fourth Economy helps communities engage in planning that delivers strategic, resilient, and equitable solutions. Our process seeks to answer critical questions:
Market
Does your community have a strong mix of creative industries?
What is the job outlook for creative sector professionals?
What is the entrepreneurial capacity to launch new initiatives in your community?
Place
Asset mapping: Where are the arts and cultural amenities in your community, and where are there gaps?
Investment readiness: Is your community poised to pursue and implement place-based investments?
Inclusive community engagement: How is your community engaging all residents to co-create solutions?
Identity
What is your community genuinely and authentically known for?
What are your unique brand identity and assets to leverage?
Is messaging cohesive across sectors (tourism, economic development, etc.)?
Capacity
Who are your community champions for the creative economy?
How interconnected are the partners in your community?
Is there a comprehensive funding strategy to help you reach your goals?
Project Examples
Get in touch to find out how Fourth Economy can help assess and enhance your arts, culture, and creative economy.
Fourth Economy is an economic development consultancy that uses analysis and engagement to help communities become more equitable, strategic, and resilient.
Want to know more? Get in touch!