Concord committee plans outreach push to market local "creative economy" after community forum

The Economic Vitality Committee of the Town of Concord voted on June 10 to broaden outreach describing the town’s “creative economy,” after a committee-led forum produced a large set of ideas members say can be turned into immediate and longer-term actions.

At the meeting, a presenter summarized the forum, saying participants produced about 106 written ideas across categories including events, promotion/wayfinding, networking and business–arts partnerships. Committee members endorsed creating a slide deck and taking it “on the road” to the chamber, business roundtables and cultural councils to spur private initiatives and partnerships.

Why it matters: Committee members said better marketing and more regular convenings can help local arts organizations and creative businesses generate visitors and sales without waiting for the town to implement policy changes. One member described the forum’s aim as “ideas spur ideas,” emphasizing that some recommendations can be enacted by businesses and nonprofits immediately.

The committee also flagged metrics to measure impact as outreach proceeds, including attendance, repeat visitors and partnerships formed. Members recommended presenting initial results back to the committee and to formal town groups to coordinate follow-up.

What was said: Several members noted the artificial split between for-profit creative businesses (architects, jewelers, upholsterers) and nonprofit arts groups and urged strategies that serve both. “It’s amazing how much people don’t know of the things that we already do,” a presenter told the committee, urging focused promotion of existing programs.

Next steps: The committee will develop a presentation and list of indicators to track outcomes; members asked staff to circulate slides and meeting recordings to committee members and to share follow-up invitations with the chamber and partner organizations.