“Institute a transformation” was the challenge given by Michael Arena of the Innovation Institute during the first Charlotte Creates experiential conference last month.

Charlotte, N.C., is gaining momentum as an arts destination and a place that understands the connection between business and the arts, industry and innovation.

According to the most recent Creative Vitality Index, which measures the health of the creative economy in cities, counties and states across the country, there are over 30,000 creative jobs in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Region, with roughly 17,000 of these jobs in Mecklenburg County, making the creative sector the area’s fifth largest employer.

Charlotte Creates has a goal of bringing together members of the business, cultural and arts communities to educate and inspire leaders on the critical role of creativity and innovation in our new economy.  Charlotte Creates is a partnership of Charlotte Chamber, Innovation Institute and the Arts & Science Council.

The first Charlotte Creates event, held on March 11, was the beginning of a two way discussion and a collaborative process to engage others.  It was a gathering of different people from government, business and art sectors with the idea of connecting with and inspiring one another.  As Tom Kelley, the keynote speaker, points out in a YouTube interview, a big issue for this city, for the creative sector as well as others, is accessibility.  There is a need for online and/or physical spaces for people to interact and network with one another.

Charlotte’s own Innovation Institute and the Arts & Science Council are at the forefront of this cross-pollination of the business and creative sectors and this growing interest in businesses utilizing creative/innovative training as well as artists/creative groups acquiring better business skills.

Another interesting aspect of Charlotte Creates is the idea of public and private organizations working together.  Charlotte has a long history with the public-private partnerships model.  (It is one of Charlotte’s most innovative endeavors.)

Why does Charlotte Creates resonate with so many in our community?  It speaks to diversity and brings understanding and awareness to the creative industries.  Charlotte has been known as a banking center, but there is a strong creative foundation as well.  Charlotte has a broad, creative diversity which currently has serious impact on our local economy.  Of course, the potential synergy is even greater for both the creative and business sectors, not to mention our community as a whole!

Please join this public forum and get involved.  Charlotte Creates is encouraging engagement and more collaborative discussions through its Facebook page.

As to the future of Charlotte Creates, first the partners—Charlotte Chamber, Innovation Institute and the Arts & Science Council—are using their resources to get this off the ground.  The goal is to eventually have some full-time staff for Charlotte Creates as well as the partnership of many individuals who will be organizing this collaborative, organic movement.